Comments on Next Big Future: A review my favorite space launch and propulsion s...

I agree that a launch loop looks better. It's mas...

2008-06-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

I agree that a launch loop looks better. It's massive, but not exotic.

I will note that spending 400 billion to 1 trillio...

2007-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

I will note that spending 400 billion to 1 trillion on a launchloop that worked would be a better use of funds than 150 billion for a spaceplane.

As large as the space pier is, the launch loop is ...

2007-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

As large as the space pier is, the launch loop is a lot bigger. It also has more complicated track parts throughout.

capital costs for magnetic levitiation trains are $40 - $60 million per dual-track mile are typical for simple, longer routes and up to $80 - $100 million per dual-track mile are typical for shorter, more complex routes.

Personal skypod magnetic track has claimed that it will only cost
one million dollars per mile

The launchloop is for heavier and faster objects, so it will be at higher end of the range. 100 million per mile. 4000 miles. $400 billion.

We need to lower the cost of magnetic levitation

I was hoping to sidestep the costs of true magnetic rail levitation costs by trying to enhance a superconducting system to the point it could ground launch. I do not know if this will work.

Most of the space pier has simpler construction (assuming the necessary materials are available).

I had seen the smaller launch ring

http://a...

2007-12-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

I had seen the smaller launch ring

http://advancednano.blogspot.com/2007/08/cheaper-space-launch-500kg-or-less-ram.html
http://www.launchpnt.com/Space_Launch.32.0.html

but not the larger launchloop.

The launchloop looks good. I will take a closer look at it.

The 'space pier' has some resemblances to the laun...

2007-12-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

The 'space pier' has some resemblances to the launch loop.
http://www.launchloop.com/
However, the launch loop requires less in the way of unobtanium. The launch loop acceleration path is held up by centrifugal force of moving parts of the system rather than by towers made of materials with enormous compressive strength.

I have looked at Skylon.
http://en.wikipedia.o...

2007-12-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

I have looked at Skylon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SABRE

I do like it. I am not sure why it does not get better funding.

You might want to have a look at skylon actually f...

2007-12-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

You might want to have a look at skylon actually for a very plausible SSTO without utilizing esoteric technology.