SSTO built.

Yes true that a few hundred feet isn't orbit, not even LEO by any stretch of
imagination, but to me the COST was the exciting part and its focus on using
cheap off-the-shelf parts scavenged from other vehicles.

In that it took off, hovered, and landed again rather safely without an
investment of gazillions of dollars is what attracted my attention. Could
the design have been scaled up to become a true orbital contender or
relatively cheap taxi is still a question in many minds, as it should be....
but to me it shows that you don't necessarily need exotic alloys, super
sophisticated components, etc. that push space-access (even near space)
beyond reasonable budgets.

Programs like the Sea Dragon mentioned earlier, with terrific payload
carrying ability (around 500tons!) and minimum launch support (sea launch)
may make orbiting "platforms" viable for short term tourism, manufacturing,
etc.

Skylab wieghed about100 tons, ? Instead of a series of EVA's to assemble
components, you could launch a complete unit or at best relatively huge
components that would require minimum manipulations in Space.

The Ruskies have proven remote cargo ships feasible and practical and
accurate in their automation. We are talking less than 300 miles distance
:-) whats the hold up?

bob
SLF