Launch Loop to Space: Questions & Answers

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    Launch Loop Space
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a launch loop to space, exploring its feasibility, required speeds for low Earth orbit (LEO), and potential design considerations. Participants raise questions about the physics involved, the impact of air at sea level, and the sonic boom associated with high speeds, while also speculating on the best locations for construction and reasons for the lack of development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the speed required to reach LEO if a launch loop is built at sea level, suggesting a guess of 10 km/s.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about whether a launch loop propelled in a vacuum tube could withstand the impact with air at sea level.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the sonic boom generated at such high speeds.
  • Participants discuss the speculative nature of the technology and the feasibility of the idea, with some suggesting that certain questions are valid while others remain too speculative.
  • One participant references external resources, including a Wikipedia article and an original article, to provide additional context and information on launch loops.
  • There is a suggestion that a design using pellets may be more effective than a ribbon for the launch loop.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the feasibility and speculative nature of the launch loop concept. While some questions are deemed valid, there is no consensus on the practicality of the idea or the specifics of its implementation.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the speculative aspects of the technology and the assumptions made regarding speeds and impacts, indicating that further mathematical analysis is needed to address some of the questions raised.

I3VI5
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Hello guys, this is my first post here so sorry if I put it in the wrong section.

I heard the idea of a launch loop to space and thought it was really cool so I wonder why they haven't build it yet.

Now since I'm no physics expert I need some clarifications on the physics in building it.

Before starting let's make the assumption that we can "easily" achieve the necessary speed to send it to LEO.

OK? So here are the questions:

1. If we build a launch loop on sea level, what is the speed it must achieve to get to LEO?

2. If it is propelled in a vacuum tube, then after reaching the needed speed (my guess is 10km/s), can it withstand the impact with air at sea level? If no, at what altitude will it be able to withstand it with the current technology?

3.What is the sonic boom at those speeds?

5. Where is the best place on Earth to build it? (I have 10bn$ ready to invest! :-D )

6. If you were to design one, and money was not an issue (I can provide more than 10 billion if you want! lol), what would it be like?

7. Why haven't they build it yet? I'm tired of going to Bora Bora for vacation, I need something new! lol

Before dismissing the idea or calling me names reflect a bit on it, it won't hurt anyone.

Thanks in advance for all your responses!
 
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Why do you assume, before anyone answers, that they are going to be dismissive?

It's a perfectly valid idea, but hopelessly speculative.

Now, have you got anything you want to say that's actually worth talking about?
 
AJ Bentley said:
Why do you assume, before anyone answers, that they are going to be dismissive?... Now, have you got anything you want to say that's actually worth talking about?

Uh, Do you realize how inconsistent this reply is?

Also, the tech is speculative, but some of his questions (launch velocity, etc.) are perfectly good. If I weren't at work right now :-p I'd do the math. I will when I get home, if no one else has by then.
 
Of course I do - that was the point of the joke.

As I said, it's hopelessly speculative - that's why I won't be bothering to think about it.
 
I3VI5 said:
2. If it is propelled in a vacuum tube, then after reaching the needed speed (my guess is 10km/s), can it withstand the impact with air at sea level?

Yeah, I don't think that would be a good idea.
 

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