I'm curious what forces the Sea-Launch platform has to endure?

What is the force from the Zenit?

Is it directed onto the platform, or diverted into blast channels?

In both situations, how does it effect the bouyancy and stability of
the platform?

Do you think there is a limit to scaling? For instance, could a
Delta or Atlas or shuttle be launched for an appropriately designed
platform?

While I'm on the topic, for land launches, how much blast damage is
done to the concrete pads and the scaffolding during a launch?

Thanks for your help.

TangoMan

Mmmm another good one... :)

Something I always been thinking is to use balloons to take vectors up to
the very limit of the atmosphere and then ignite from there... I wonder why
is not done, surely would save a lot of fuel?
I guess the problem is to get the balloon where you want it at the right
time...?

Of course now that nanotubes technology is making cables up to orbit a
practical possibility I'm rethinking the design, forget about rockets
altogether!
Have a satellite in geostationary orbit dragging a cable down to the limit
of upper atmosphere, attached to a permanent balloon station. You can lift
any amount of weight nearly for free up to the station and from there pull
it up by cable. Much better than having a cable going all the way down to
ground, especially if the cable breaks! :)

Problem is turning off that nasty current that has the annoyingly habit to
blow at 120mph up there, but sure there will be a solution for that... any
meteorologist on the list? :)

Cheers,

Claudio

> Mmmm another good one... :)
>
> Something I always been thinking is to use balloons
> to take vectors up to
> the very limit of the atmosphere and then ignite
> from there... I wonder why
> is not done, surely would save a lot of fuel?
> I guess the problem is to get the balloon where you
> want it at the right
> time...?
>
there is an x-prize contestant already using this
approach: www.jpaerospace.com

They even have put hundreds, if not thousands of
payloads into the upper edges of the atmosphere:
www.pongsat.org. Probably one of the best public
relations efforts I have seen coming from a private
company to get people excited about space!

Ryan