3 ms·
They'll recharge batteries that they'll then return to earth on a cheap BFR-like reusable launcher. /joke Internet points to anyone who computes: - how expens
by ovi256 8y ago
They'll recharge batteries that they'll then return to earth on a cheap BFR-like reusable launcher. /joke
Internet points to anyone who computes:
- how expensive that makes the marginal kWh returned to earth likes this.
- how low launch and return-to-earth costs must go for this to become competitive with current kWh costs.
- adrianN 8y agoFirst you build a space elevator to geosynchronous orbit, then you can use full batteries as counterweight for lifting empty batteries. That way you only have to overcome friction losses.
- ovi256 8y agoEven better! Now it's less of a joke idea. You still have a small shuttle transfer from geosync orbit to wherever the solar farm is (heliosync or a lagrange point to avoid earth shadow), but the delta-v for that is tiny. However space elevators are still soft SF (still missing a material with enough tensile strength), whereas BFR cheap reusable launchers are hard SF, achievable with current known tech.