The idea of solar power satellites has been around nearly 4 decades. The physics and engineering are sound and the economics *almost* makes with rockets.
Now the possibility exists that an early nanotechnology product, carbon nanotubes, might be strong enough to build a space elevator. The efficiency of space elevators using laser powered climbers is almost as poor as rockets But if you can make one with a moving cable, then it is possible to lift parts for a power sat at low enough energy cost that the energy payback time is a day or less. http://eugen.leitl.org/A-2000-tonne-per-day-Space-Elevator1.ppt Free viewer for power point if you don't have one: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=428D5727-43AB-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4 If you are interested, ask questions. Keith Henson _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
