Re: beanstalks (was Re: Metallic hydrogen ...)

From: Perplexed in Peoria (jimmenegay_at_sbcglobal.net)
Date: 06/10/04 

Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 01:57:07 GMT

"Pete Lynn" <pete@peterlynnkites.com> wrote in message
news:1086827692.375814@kyle.snap.net.nz...
> When we consider the comparative structure/payload fractions, (payload
> over elevator weight vs. payload over rocket drymass weight), then the
> capital cost of the rocket is around an order of magnitude less than
> that of the elevator.

You are forgetting that empty elevators going down for another load
can help to lift the full elevators going up.

Too bad you can't pull off that trick with rockets.

Your calculation needs to count the elevators as part of the fixed
mass of the beanstalk - a capital cost, not as an operating cost,
unlike the cost of lifting and then lowering rocket shells.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: beanstalks (was Re: Metallic hydrogen ...)
    ... > over elevator weight vs. payload over rocket drymass weight), ... > capital cost of the rocket is around an order of magnitude less than ... You are forgetting that empty elevators going down for another load ...
    (sci.materials)
  • Re: beanstalks (was Re: Metallic hydrogen ...)
    ... > over elevator weight vs. payload over rocket drymass weight), ... > capital cost of the rocket is around an order of magnitude less than ... You are forgetting that empty elevators going down for another load ...
    (sci.physics)