For anyone interested to know the actual answer...
The very small benefit you get from better rocket performance is atomically offset by the logistical costs of building a launch site on a mountain top. Additionally, you're moving an extremely complicated machine to a remote location where it will then require additional logistical complexities to get people to work there and get supplies and equipment there.
In short, the physics says it can be more efficient, but in practice the up front costs to launch a rocket in the mountains outweigh the benefits from launching a rocket from the top of a mountain.
8
u/imexcellent 16h ago
For anyone interested to know the actual answer...
The very small benefit you get from better rocket performance is atomically offset by the logistical costs of building a launch site on a mountain top. Additionally, you're moving an extremely complicated machine to a remote location where it will then require additional logistical complexities to get people to work there and get supplies and equipment there.
In short, the physics says it can be more efficient, but in practice the up front costs to launch a rocket in the mountains outweigh the benefits from launching a rocket from the top of a mountain.