Big, Dumb, heavy lift boosters.

> Don't the Russians and Sea-Launch already have this capability? I take this
> to be so from the statements that the launch of Soyuz only costs $ 4 million
> or so.

The Proton (payload 20+ tonnes to LEO) costs about
$5 million, just the rocket.

That makes about $240/kg!

Right now they can't sell it to you for that- they have to
pay for the launch pad on top of that for example; R&D and
some profit etc. The current charge is ~$60-85 million. But
if the rate of launch goes up, then the cost comes down
doesn't it? And with a basic cost of $5 million, it can
come down very quickly.

It seems to me that the only thing stopping the Russians
from heading that way is a *large* order to launch, e.g.
offer them a billion or ten and you'd be amazed at how
many launches you'd get; you'd probably have to wait a
year or two until they geared themselves up, but then...

That would mean, in theory, they could put me into orbit
for about $60000 (allowing for 50% profit, and double my own
weight in life support and cabin and things; you can argue
the numbers if you wish; please do so.)

> Jay S. Huebner at jhuebn@...

civilization?"