Apologizing for the spinless moon (was Gregg Maryniak on Economist.c

So quickly people forget there have been quite a large number of proposals for a launch infrastructure that would be universally usable to anyone. I've always liked Mike Combs Balloon supported mag lev launcher. Then there is Launch Point Technologies proposal, which is really only good for non-organic, extremely high G tolerant payloads, like, say, explosive(for the military) or solar cells, fuel, water, or other inert materials(for SPS). Leik Myrabos Laser launch system requires significant technological advances in laser tech, but it could be a viable system for a highway to space and of course, we have the space elevator, which still requires that we be in space in a big way before we can build the darn thing. Of all these proposals, those that are scalable,ie, can start off with small payloads and, as tech catches up, expand to large payloads, seem the most likely to attract funding. Mike Combs system is go for broke, wherein someone has to be
convinced to expend a lot of money up front before a single load can be launched. Launch Points system is scalable as well as the laser launch system, ie, we could start with micro payloads and move on to larger loads as the tech matures. Lower up front costs are attractive to investors.

Mike has already pointed out that large numbers of launches can successfully reduce launch costs to reasonable levels even with our current chemically fueled rockets. All we need is to convince the holders of the purse strings tha such investment is necessary. So, here's my short list:

OK. How to convince a politician,,,lessons learned from the interstate transport system.

1) Our military is required to protect this country from threats domestic and foreign. China, India and possibly Russia have the tech capability to go to the moon. This makes them potential threats, who could drop rocks(or tungsten rods) on our little pointy heads. Luna for the Air Force,,,

2) Asteroids that might be harmful to our health. Again, Luna for the Air Force.

3) SPS(the obvious choice for me, Dr. O'Neille and myriad others), ie, energy for our electric toothbrushes,(OK, really, it's for everything that makes our techno civilization go and requires a PERMANENT Lunar industrial base, as do the afore mentioned).

4),,,and of course, other resources this society needs to survive(go Luna)

5) Mr Politician, parts of this infrastructure can be built in YOUR state(very, VERY important consideration).

OK. That's all I can come up with, so far. Anything significant that can be added to that list just makes it a stronger argument. Go for it, Y'All.

GAry 7