JLawson wrote:
But with the current ecological worries (With Feinstein blocking solar power arrays) I don't see THIS concept getting far at all.
I agree that this concept wont go far..... for a different reason...within the next 20-25 yrs. For me it is the issue of launch capacity. We might some pilot programs over the 2 decades, but thats it.
When I look at SpaceX, for example, I just dont see kerosene rockets, or even solid rockets being a viable vehicle to place significant infrastructure in orbit. In other words I dont see an oil based economy/society being capable of this. Now - on the other hand, a fusion powered society could do this in a heartbeat.... bu then the question becomes, "Why would you?".
I far prefer QED/Polywell PB&J fusion byproducts to a rough equivalent of kersone or solid fuel segments. >wink<
BTW at daily Kos, Vladislaw posts everyday promoting space programs and such, we've had some discussions on space based power, most folks agree, A Net power polywell makes the immediate desire, or need, or reasoning to go space based somewhat moot.
Heres a link to his Sunday article:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/4/26/1247/36192
Now thats not to say that as we colonize the solar system, systems like these wont be deployed in other locations, especially if we can produce the panels in space. With a PV panel factory on say...... the Moon, one then has many interesting options.
If polywell gives us "fusion power", it also gives us the solar system. And we truly become a space faring race.
I like the p-B11 resonance peak at 50 KV acceleration. In2 years we'll know.