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Private enterprise shines again in space
Topic Started: Jun 21 2016, 12:08 AM (139 Views)
Thumper
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Paul Allen co founder of Microsoft, is constructing the world's largest aircraft to inexpensively launch near earth orbit satellites. These satellites will be part of a world wide WiFi network. The twin fuselage launch aircraft is using two retired 747s as a basis for construction. This way the launch locations can be anywhere in the world.
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Brewster
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If Private Enterprise REALLY wanted to be enterprising,
they'd be developing a Space Elevator....

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Oh, wait a minute, they already are!
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Thumper
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I think Paul Allen's approach may be turned into reality much sooner. This elevator concept has been around since Newton. So far, we only have had jack and the bean stock.
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Sea Dog
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What about the golden stairway to heaven?
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Thumper
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I don't do stairs.
Edited by Thumper, Jun 22 2016, 01:21 AM.
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Brewster
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As you say, the concept of a Space Elevator has been around a long time - the problem has always been to find a material with the proper strength/weight ratio.

They've pretty much got it figured out now, with new Carbon materials - including diamond fibres. I expect all the bits to be ready by 2025.
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