[ExI] Inflatable tower could climb to the edge of space

[BillK]

On 6/12/09, Damien Broderick wrote:
> At 12:51 PM 6/12/2009 -0500, I blathered:
>  That's not what I meant, is it? Exactly wrong: in line with the wind (when
> that would help). <cough>
>

If you are contemplating putting a 15 kilometer linear motor up an
inflatable tower, which might take a bit of 'not yet done' technology,
then...

why not build the linear motor along the ground and up the side of a mountain?
It could be longer than 15 kilometers, if required, and would give a
good launch boost to a smaller rocket. It doesn't have to be used for
humans if the stresses are too great.

BillK