Is there any way to get into space besides rockets?

First of all, we have to figure out what kind of altitude can be called space.

generally speaking, the place from 35km above the thermal stratification to the outer atmosphere and 1km above it is called space, and then it is outer space.

the limit height that a hot air balloon can reach is about 35km, so it is not feasible.

High-altitude planes can't fly as high as hot air balloons, so they can't.

The space shuttle was also brought into space by a rocket, but it has a return system. The possible replacement "Dreamcatcher" spacecraft was also launched vertically by a rocket. After reaching a certain height, it was powered by its own rocket hybrid engine, and it returned in a gliding mode, similar to the space shuttle, but much smaller.

so in essence, there is no way to go into space without the help of rockets.

I hope I can help you! _

Concept map of "Dreamcatcher" spacecraft (it can be regarded as a small space shuttle)