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

[painlord2k at libero.it]

Il 12/06/2009 22.06, spike ha scritto:

> Ja, the problem with an open foam structure is that the stress is too
> difficult to analyse everywhere.  We need to optimize the disign so that all
> the material is stressed about the same everywhere.
>
> Regarding an open Fuller design (to allow the wind to blow thru the
> structure) has some promise, if the intention is to make a support structure
> for a linear launcher.

Instead of a linear launcher or a rocket, why don't use the tower as an 
upper platform for a skyhook?
The centre of mass of the skyhook would be 1.000 or 10.000 km higher 
than the tower top but the hook could rotate one time every day, so it 
would appear to fall from the sky and go up.
Ion engines could continuously keep the skyhook at its right position 
and make up for the loss of energy and speed.

How much would be spared using the tower as a dock-undock point for a 
skyhook or another tether or a space elevator?

Mirco
-------------- next part --------------

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.5.364 / Virus Database: 270.12.67/2173 - Release Date: 06/13/09 05:53:00