J Storrs Hall's Space Pier

[stevebowers]

We have discussed this idea before, but I couldn't find a link - well here's one

http://autogeny.org/tower/tower.html

It's just a series of very tall towers supporting a linear accelerator. Something like a Lofstrom Loop, but with no loop, and capable of standing without a power supply. Some or many medium-to-hi tech worlds might use this approach for various reasons.

[ai_vin]

Here's a different take on this idea; http://writings.mike-combs.com/bridge.htm
It's basically the same linear accelerator but instead of tall towers it's supported by aerostats.

[Drashner1]

Space piers might be especially popular on smaller planets or gas giant moons. The lower gravity would mean a lower escape velocity and lower acceleration, making the launch phase much more comfortable.

I've seen the aerostat idea mentioned in passing in O'Neill's writings. I imagine that some worlds somewhere have done this.

Todd