Alternate Solar System- Intermediate to space elevator?

[fredinno]

Ok, so this is for the alternate solar system project:

This is a world where space launches are common, with enough demand.

I would anticipate economical 100% reuse RLVs in the form of Space Shuttles to become built during the 1960s to build an Orion Drive to redirect a comet. This era of lat of launches would be from 1950-1975, followed by a depression with 1/2 the number of launches from 1975-1990. Then, the launch industry takes back up through commercial usage, leading to a (Mars sized habitable alternate) Luna base by 2050, with landings all around Luna by 2040 (and full colonization by 2100). A small moon of Earth, Aurora has bases by 2030.

However, payloads, starting with satellites, are built with in-space materials (partially- starting off with simpler things like structure and solar panels-I don't know if this is practical) by 2020, and the amount of in space material used instead of Earth Material increases to 100% by 2100.

 

In this scenario, how should LVs develop?

I was thinking starting with Conventional RLVs> airbreathing SSTO RLVs> microwave propulsion RLVs> non rotating skyhook (rotating seems too risky) w/ airships to dock to the skyhook.> Space elevator?

https://skyhooksandspaceelevators.wordpress.com/

However, there are things like airship to orbit too. Is this the most logical progression for space LVs? Will it be economical, even with much higher in-space production by 2100 (but also colonies being made, and extensive Luna settlement)?

[Aethon]

Haven't read the other thread but an orbital ring would fit in there pre- Earth space elevator nicely.  

 

 

Or maybe check out launch loops and space fountains.

Edited March 22, 2016 by Aethon

[fredinno]

 

4 hours ago, Aethon said:

Haven't read the other thread but an orbital ring would fit in there pre- Earth space elevator nicely.  

 

 

Or maybe check out launch loops and space fountains.

The problem with orbital loops is that I fear it will interrfere with LEO operations too much. 

What about airship to orbit? Is that viable?

Most of the other concepts would be pretty dangerous in the case of a failure- it's why I don't like space elevators either. A space fountain looks possible as a significant alternative if space elevaors don't pan out. I'd be very difficult to get approval, but so do space elevators. A launch loop takes up too much real estate.

Is the initial plan otherwise pretty solid?

 

[kerbiloid]

In all such projects: why this irrational love for planet-sized whole rings? And for vertical elevators.
If its purpose is "a road to sky", why not build just a 100 km high spiral estacade with maglev on it.

[fredinno]

Just now, kerbiloid said:

In all such projects: why this irrational love for planet-sized whole rings? And for vertical elevators.
If its purpose is "a road to sky", why not build just a 100 km high spiral estacade with maglev on it.

Because a compression structure that high would break.

[kerbiloid]

Oscillating thousands-high ring is probably not much harder than a set of 1..10..100 km hollow tubes made of nanotubes.

[fredinno]

6 minutes ago, kerbiloid said:

Oscillating thousands-high ring is probably not much harder than a set of 1..10..100 km hollow tubes made of nanotubes.

Yes, and such a ring would need to be overall larger than a space fountain, costing more, and possibly interfereing with other LEO sats.