Back to the topic, which at least is an interesting one for those who think there are possibilities in space and believe it has importance to the advancement of science:
On Fox News, a commentator said that a space elevator was not practical for Earth. When asked why the award and why would we promote the wasted effort, he said while it would not work on Earth, it would work on other bodies in space, like our own moon for instance, to transport cargo into space from some future moon base.
I would take issue with that since there is virtually no rotation of the moon, there is also no angular momentum to allow a satellite to maintain the synchronous orbit which would be necessary for a space elevator. And also the gravity well of the moon does not require such a large expenditure of fuel/energy to leave the surface to pay for the investment of a space elevator, whether possible or not.
In his book "The Millenial Project," (Colonizing the galaxy in five easy steps) Marshall T. Savage proposed a type of "rail" launch (assist) vehicle using Mount Kilimanjaro as the incline plane to propel vehicles and cargo into orbit, with a further assist at higher altitudes to refine orbital insertions. The moon, with only 17-percent of Earth’s gravity and a stable rotation period (27.3 days) would provide an even better very stable launch facility for insertion into either Lunar or Earth orbits for heavy loads or transportation facilities.
The Millenial Project was a great book for it’s time: he explored everything from from first developing the seas and oceans for habitats as suitably tough environments to gaining experience in advance to space exploration, to terraforming Mars, and developing the solar system for profit, and ultimately the preservation of human life.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Project-Colonizing-Galaxy-Eight/dp/0316771635]Amazon.com: The Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy Steps (9780316771634): Marshall T. Savage: Books[/ame]
On Fox News, a commentator said that a space elevator was not practical for Earth. When asked why the award and why would we promote the wasted effort, he said while it would not work on Earth, it would work on other bodies in space, like our own moon for instance, to transport cargo into space from some future moon base.
I would take issue with that since there is virtually no rotation of the moon, there is also no angular momentum to allow a satellite to maintain the synchronous orbit which would be necessary for a space elevator. And also the gravity well of the moon does not require such a large expenditure of fuel/energy to leave the surface to pay for the investment of a space elevator, whether possible or not.
In his book "The Millenial Project," (Colonizing the galaxy in five easy steps) Marshall T. Savage proposed a type of "rail" launch (assist) vehicle using Mount Kilimanjaro as the incline plane to propel vehicles and cargo into orbit, with a further assist at higher altitudes to refine orbital insertions. The moon, with only 17-percent of Earth’s gravity and a stable rotation period (27.3 days) would provide an even better very stable launch facility for insertion into either Lunar or Earth orbits for heavy loads or transportation facilities.
The Millenial Project was a great book for it’s time: he explored everything from from first developing the seas and oceans for habitats as suitably tough environments to gaining experience in advance to space exploration, to terraforming Mars, and developing the solar system for profit, and ultimately the preservation of human life.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Project-Colonizing-Galaxy-Eight/dp/0316771635]Amazon.com: The Millennial Project: Colonizing the Galaxy in Eight Easy Steps (9780316771634): Marshall T. Savage: Books[/ame]
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That bet I win.
