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Startram — Maglev Train To Low Earth Orbit

Posted by Soulskill on from the easy-to-build-just-add-unlimited-funding dept.

Zothecula writes "Getting into space is one of the harder tasks to be taken on by humanity. The present cost of inserting a kilogram of cargo by rocket into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is about US$10,000. A manned launch to LEO costs about $100,000 per kilogram of passenger. But who says we have to reach orbit by means of rocket propulsion alone? Instead, imagine sitting back in a comfortable magnetic levitation train and taking a train ride into orbit."

4 of 356 comments (clear)

  1. Fucking magnets by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now, how is this going to work?

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
    1. Re:Fucking magnets by busyqth · · Score: 5, Funny

      200 million amperes of current running down a 1000 km long superconducting cable. In other words: it's child;s play.

    2. Re:Fucking magnets by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 5, Funny

      Apparently his hemoglobin was magnetized. Yet he's now 80 and still in good health.

      Another benefit is that when you're lost, you can just float your dad in a lake as a compass...

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      It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
  2. I can imagine quite a bit by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    If I'm going to fantasize about shit that will never be built, I'd rather dream of the sexbot. Oh perfect robotic woman---who is always horny, cooks and cleans, never wants diamonds, has no parents, never drones about about some bitch at work, never cheats, never complains about wanting a bigger house or nicer car---how I dream of thee.

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    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.