[extropy-chat] The other space program

[Adrian Tymes]

--- Eugen Leitl <eugen at leitl.org> wrote:
> On Thu, Aug 12, 2004 at 10:48:55AM -0700, Adrian
> Tymes wrote:
> > --- Eugen Leitl <eugen at leitl.org> wrote:
> > > Who's going to build the microwave
> > > stations on the ground to
> > > track the craft as it goes around the Earth?
> > 
> > I generally agree with most of your objections
> here,
> > but this one can easily be solved: solar panels
> (or
> > cells on the craft's skin), or a fleet of
> microwave
> > satellites launched by traditional means.
> 
> We're trying to lower cost for LEO launch. Putting
> massive
> power satellite fleets up there doesn't strike me as
> "easily solved".

The powersats could be put to other uses.  If they
could make a profit on their own, they could be done
independent of anything else.  Bootstrapping, as it
were.

That said, you're right: direct solar power is
probably easier.

> > > The Dark Sky station is as close to LEO as
> > > SpaceshipOne. I.e., not at all.
> > 
> > *shrugs*  Doesn't mean it isn't useful in its own
> > right.  If they can solve the engineering issues
> of
> > floating serious payload at high
> altitudes...floating
> > cities, anyone?
> 
> What is the economic value of a floating city?

Massive air cargo lifter, similar to zepplins but
floating high enough that weather is not as much of a
problem (except for launching/landing of transfer
craft).  Or a waypoint towards true space
colonization.  The view would certainly be unmatched;
one could set up a high-altitude hotel that a simple
up-and-down rocket like SSO could reach without having
to actually reach orbital velocity.  And, of course,
there are various communication applications.