Column height is defined as the average column height of the atmosphere; the height rise after which the pressure falls by a factor of e. This is calculated using gravity, molecular weight and temperature. This is then used to derive the air density as the spacecraft rises.

Column height = 8314 ( J * K / kmol ) * temperature / gravity / molecular weight

Air density = sea level density * exp( - altitude / column height )
 

This is used in atmospheric spacecraft, multi stage spacecraft, and spacecraft cost.
 

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