[geeks] ultralight suicide mission

[Brian Dunbar]

Sandwich Maker wrote:
> " From: Phil Stracchino <phil.stracchino at speakeasy.net>
> " 
> " Brian Dunbar wrote:
> " > We've been contacted by people who are seriously interested in using our
> " > tether and lifter - you know, once it's been built - to jump from the 
> " > edge of space - above 40,000 meters.
> " 
> " This actually reflects upon a topic I was considering slightly earlier
> " today:  Is it possible, with the correct equipment, to survive [with a
> " pressure suit and oxygen supply, of course] a parachute jump from low
> " earth orbit?  I haven't run any of the numbers yet, but my suspicion is
> " that if you had a de-orbit thruster with enough total impulse to
> " completely kill your orbital velocity, or if you started out stationary
> " in the first place by jumping off a beanstalk, it ought to be possible.
> 
> many years ago i made the rough calc that if you killed your velocity,
> from a low orbit - 100-200 miles - in free fall you'd be going about
> mach 1 when you hit serious air.
> 
> this is trivial for vehicle reentry, tough but probably doable for a
> person.
> 
> now killing your orbital velocity - that's a trick.  i've read the
> factlet that about half the energy needed to achieve orbit is needed
> to climb to altitude; the other half is needed to accelerate to speed.

If you're on the ribbon you're not in orbit - so they tell me I just
take care of the email and web-based application bits.  If you just 'let
go' of the ribbon you'll plummet like a stone.

Think of it as the world's tallest tower.  Which it might be
advantageous to be, legally speaking.


-- 
Brian Dunbar
System Administrator
Liftport - The Space Elevator Company

brian.dunbar at liftport.com
aim: bdunbar1967

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Remember.
But move forward, too. Light a candle, yes. But also drive a rivet.
~Lileks