[NewRomeTacitus]

"We can do better. These days, I'm leaning toward a Lunar base."

Since so much progress has been achieved with polymers, molecular bonding and computer simulation I don't know why the Space Elevator project from a near-Equatorial site has not been sounded out. Weather anomalies aside, it is the most efficient solution to maximize our era's capabilities for economical access to commercial space endeavors.

[Qwinn]

"Weather anomalies aside, it is the most efficient solution to maximize our era's capabilities for economical access to commercial space endeavors."

While I'd agree in theory, I'm afraid in reality we can't simply put "aside" those "weather anomalies". Would be kind of a bummer to build it and then have an Isabel come and take it down.

Qwinn

[B-Chan]

Since so much progress has been achieved with polymers, molecular bonding and computer simulation I don't know why the Space Elevator project from a near-Equatorial site has not been sounded out.

It has been, thoroughly. This “space railroad” is going to do for the Final Frontier what the early railroads did for the American West.

OSP as a NASA project should be abandoned, and a competition between private spacecraft companies be started instead, with the OSP production contract going to the winner.