Aerospike Engines - Why Aren't We Using them Now?

submitted by Tom_Bombadil from (youtube.com)

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Arrospikes can significantly improve the overall efficiency of a rocket engines in declining atmospheric pressures.

I'm curious how much more efficiently these would perform in the vacuum of space. Would it make a difference?

The atmosphere is approximately 100 miles thick.

Earth's gravity doesn't stop at 100 miles from the surface.

If all rockets lose virtually all of their efficiency at 100 miles from the surface, then this what does that suggest?

How can robotic probes to Mars and the Moon slow their velocity as they approach their destination; in the vacuum of space... If their rockets don't perform efficiently???