Why aren the Space Shuttle missions using an oversize slingshot, instead of expensive, polluting explosives?
To reach escape velocity the “slingshot” would have to accelerate the object at a rate that would cause extensive damage to the payload and kill the crew. Rockets on the other hand continue a gradual acceleration through out the boost phase reaching escape velocity over a period of time. also if you want to do an unboosted launch consider a rail gun rather than a slingshot. Of course you will still have to figure out how not to kill the crew and destroy the cargo.
