Topic: Microwave launch system

[Nemesis]

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Colorado space startup Escape Dynamics announced today that they’ve successfully tested a prototype of their spaceship engine and are ready to move on to their next phase in development. By itself, that doesn’t sound like huge news – companies all over the world are testing prototype engines for rockets.

Except Escape Dynamics didn’t fire its engine by setting alight fuel in a controlled explosion, like a traditional rocket. Instead, their engine fired using power beamed at it from a microwave antenna across the room.

In an industry where “game changer” is thrown around with aplomb, this could be the real thing. Rockets powered by beams of power from the ground, enabling them to be more efficient and carry greater payloads.

[Corbomite]

So, in essence, they will be "beaming it up". 

[EschelonOfJudgemnt]

So, my question is, will the crew be extra crispy when they reach orbit?

[Nemesis]

Use a magnetic catapult for the first stage and use the MW beam after. 

[Nemesis]

They use microwaves.  So does the EMDrive.  Combine the two for efficiency?