A non-powered pre-stage (10) with a commensurably large wing area is used to launch a variety of single-stage and multiple-stage space vehicles (20), such as conventional ballistic rockets and prospective spaceplanes, from conventional runways. This method of launch eliminates need in dedicated ground launch structures and/or dedicated long runways. The vehicle to be launched (20) is mated to this non-powered aero-assisted pre-stage (NAP) (10), with their flight directions aligned, using a lock-and-release mechanism (30). The resulting stack takes off like a conventional airplane using the propulsion of the vehicle and aerodynamic lift of the NAP. After the desired trajectory of the vehicle is achieved, the vehicle is separated from the NAP and continues its ascent. The NAP returns back to the surface for reuse or disposal. Thus, a wide variety of conventional airfields can be used for launch of ballistic and aero-assisted flight vehicles.