Dual use SPS

Blasting space debris (to eliminate it) with lasers powered by SPS would
likely make more than it eliminates by destroying operational weathersats,
landsats, etc. One could know where the beam was going, and so not shoot
when it might hit something else beyond the target, but after the beam hit a
metal surface on the debris, the debris would reflect some of it to who
knows where. There is not that much orbiting debris anyway compared to what
nature has passing into the upper atmosphere, several tons every day.
Using the resources of Mars anywhere but on Mars also does not make
sense. Using the resources on Phobos and Deimos out that way could make
sense, but not in here, unless you like waiting 3 years between going after
it and getting delivery. Which companies can make a profit doing that when
competing with others who could get materials from the Moon in a week?
Work crews of ten thousand will not occur in space until they live there.
Space construction is ideal for robots, which will build most of the
structure of the O'Neill habitats. They may be controlled by workers on
Earth. When it is time to add the flowers, furniture and art, which may
take some artists being there, if the builders can afford that, the artists
can live inside the habitats and garden there for their food, breaking the
place in.
Sincerely, Jay Huebner at jhuebn@...