[extropy-chat] balloon stations at the edge of space

[Mike Lorrey]

--- Eugen Leitl <eugen at leitl.org> wrote:
> 
> So use hydrogen. It will require dedicated rescue systems for manned
> stratospheric stations in case of catastrophic loss, to safely land
> the pressurized cabin (it comes down really quickly, and gets
> surprisingly fast in the process).

I've got a better idea: combine this balloon idea with Orion. Ride the
balloon to above 100,000 feet and cruise to open ocean, then, using the
gas envelope as a shock cushion (you've got your orbital ship on top,
your bomb on the bottom, or, better, ship at the nose, bomb at the
tail) set off your nuke. This should give you a huge boost toward orbit
while your fallout should mostly settle in the ocean in a highly
dispersed manner, thus greatly reducing even incidental health risks.

=====
Mike Lorrey
Chairman, Free Town Land Development
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.
It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
                                         -William Pitt (1759-1806) 
Blog: http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=Sadomikeyism


	
		
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