Author Topic: Space sailing  (Read 1144 times)

Offline Holden McGroin

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 8591
Space sailing
« Reply #45 on: May 02, 2005, 10:38:12 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Chairboy
Imagine huge farms of these balanced at L5 for constant sunshine, all microwaving their power to collection stations that hook into the grid.


A few problems to be overcome: Huge reflectors would reflect the solar wind and therefore have to withstand the thrust reaction.  A solar flare could knock the reflector out of the L5 gravitational balance.  An assymetrical reaction could spin the reflector.  Reaction thruster would need to be constantly correcting the reflector.

A possible good outcome: hunters near the microwave beam collectors could hunt pre-cooked duck.
Holden McGroin LLC makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information. Since humor, irony, and keen insight may be foreign to some readers, no warranty, expressed or implied is offered. Re-writing this disclaimer cost me big bucks at the lawyer’s office!

Offline slimm50

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2684
Space sailing
« Reply #46 on: May 03, 2005, 01:23:54 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Mini D
I obviously know more than a room full of engineers when I say I don't see how that's possible.

My new sig material:D

Offline Hangtime

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 10148
Space sailing
« Reply #47 on: May 03, 2005, 01:44:06 PM »
The price of Freedom is the willingness to do sudden battle, anywhere, any time and with utter recklessness...

...at home, or abroad.