Upward Bound Launch Loop Video

2017 June 1, by Isaac Arthur and Colleagues

First, though I wasn't contacted by I.A. beforehand, I'm happy with the video. Thank you to the team.

It isn't perfect; there are minor errors and invalid additions, but it is a good starting explanation for a lay audience. The launch loop evolves as new technologies develop and new ideas emerge; real costs will drop, though the cost in inflated dollars will rise.

If you want to help, contact me. Don't call; my hearing sucks. I want you to put in the effort to find a valid email address, that filters out the worst time-wasters.

Help is defined as you working on an assigned problem and producing results. I have very limited time, I can't help you with your problems. Skills needed:

• 1) Learn to read technical literature. Yes, it's hard for me, too. Kill your TV, cancel your Facebook account, make the effort.
• 2) Mathematics, Numerical Programming, Physics, Materials, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering.
• 3) Make things that work. Write programs that calculate valid and testable numbers. Write readable documents.
• 4) Learn Linux or BSD.

In particular, right now I could use help with OpenACC or CUDA programming for numerical calculations on nVidia math coprocessors. There are some big calculations to do. I use Linux (particularly, Fermilab's "Scientific Linux" clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux ).

• Perhaps Mathematica can do them, but that depends on a steady flow of money and time for upgrades to Wolfram and Microsoft/Apple and hardware makers just to keep the capability alive. Long ago, I bought a copy of Macsyma for this, with support; they went out of business soon after, and I lost my investment in money and time. Open source isn't perfect, but it can't be taken away like that.