Beam it Down, Scotty!

Chris Campbell wrote: As if in response to recent accusations made on this list that NASA
and/or the space establishment are ignoring the potential of SSP, I just
received this email from the NASA Science News mailing list:
Yes, a fine example of NASA think. I particularly liked these two fine examples from the linked document.
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/legaff/mankins9-7.html
"By the 2025-2035 time frame, the technologies needed for a full-scale in-space SSP platform producing 1-2 gigawatts of power could be demonstrated at the system prototype level. This concept (characterized as "Model System Concept-4" in the SERT Program) is consistent with an initial solar power satellite "pilot plant" that could demonstrate base load power transmission for terrestrial markets. This time frame is consistent with current plans for the development of very-low-cost Earth-to-orbit space transportation systems (e.g., in the $100-$200 per kilogram recurring cost range). "
"Ultimately, in the post-2050 time frame, very large-scale, in-space SSP platforms in the greater than 10-gigawatt power class could become viable (a.k.a., "MSC-5"). Such systems might find application in providing very-large-scale power to terrestrial markets, for the industrial development of space resources, or in powering robotic probes to near-interstellar space during the latter portion of this century. "
Which NASA sponsored low cost Earth-to-orbit space transportation system could this be? And of course we should launch everything from earth and then develop space resources.
The queasiness in my stomach cannot have anything to do with reading this article.
Mitchell James
mejames@...