The Orion's Arm Universe Project Forums

We have discussed this idea before, but I couldn't find a link - well here's one

http://autogeny.org/tower/tower.html

It's just a series of very tall towers supporting a linear accelerator. Something like a Lofstrom Loop, but with no loop, and capable of standing without a power supply. Some or many medium-to-hi tech worlds might use this approach for various reasons.

Here's a different take on this idea; http://writings.mike-combs.com/bridge.htm
It's basically the same linear accelerator but instead of tall towers it's supported by aerostats.

Space piers might be especially popular on smaller planets or gas giant moons. The lower gravity would mean a lower escape velocity and lower acceleration, making the launch phase much more comfortable.

I've seen the aerostat idea mentioned in passing in O'Neill's writings. I imagine that some worlds somewhere have done this.

Todd