Spin Launch goes around in circles with Ka'u

[TomK]

randomq - I'm curious, where does the 25% number come from? In theory, if they can launch something at ~17,000 mph, it'll reach orbit without needing fuel (I'm ignoring air resistance). The only fuel that would then be needed is what's needed for maneuvering into a precise orbit and would be surprised that requires 25%. Then again, I haven't read up too much about this project recently, so probably am missing something. I do, however,  completely agree that this would be a benefit to Ka'u but I think we all understand that projects like this generally don't make it to Hawaii.

Other than local opposition, the biggest problem I always saw with this project was designing satellites that could survive the tremendous g-forces used in the launching process, but the company obviously believes it's possible.

[randomq]

Their website mentions using 1/4 the fuel, so they anticipate still needing some.

[TomK]

Thanks, I'll take a look when I have a little more time. I wonder if it includes the fuel/costs to power the actual launcher as well as the fuel needed onboard the satellite?

[MyManao]

My guess is that the hurdle that this, and all other speculative projects here face, is our remoteness, far more than anything else.

I understand our, Hawaii's, favorable attributes, but imagine our isolation, which in some ways is to the benefit of the industry, in other ways presents insurmountable obstacles.

The history of astronomy here is in some ways the same. A lot of tech thrown at something a gazillion miles from the center of the technological developments, and into a seriously demanding environment. Thrown for an admirable cause that excuses the extra expense. But the telescopes are the end product, not something needing to be endlessly renewed. A successful launch facility would have a serious supply chain of materials that once in place we could manage. But initially? that investment would be substantially higher here than elsewhere. 

And then there is talent. It's not like we have the trained manpower, or the infrastructure they need to do their thing, just laying around for a budding young enterprise to tap into. Nor do we have the university programs training future employees.. or the housing.. sheesh we might not even generate enough electricity.

In other words, our nearness to the equator may be worth gazillions, and the fact we have isolated lands ideally situated to take advantage of it makes the whole idea that much more enticing, but I suspect a railroad line, or at least a good highway, that's connected to the real world would be of far greater value.

And somehow.. in a convoluted way.. that excuses state its untenable regulatory practices. After all, if it wasn't for them we'd have far more failed attempts to overcome the extra burdens we bare for being the most remote place on Earth dotting our countryside.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

that investment would be substantially higher here than elsewhere. 

But yet, the company wanted to build here.


And then there is talent. 

Chicken, egg.  Jobs, education.


housing.. sheesh we might not even generate enough electricity.

Geothermal could cover it many times over.


excuses state its untenable regulatory practices.

It’s not state or county policies that drove them out.  The house and senate passed a bill allowing the company to proceed. It was Ka’u residents who shouted down their presentation. A small roomful of residents were against something they didn’t understand, and wouldn’t find out whether or not there was a reason they were for or against it.  

https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2018/...h-meeting/

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

With limited job opportunities, what does the "talent" do in their spare time in Ka'u District?

Police say that between Aug. 31 and Wednesday, numerous road signs were stolen from Highway 11 in in the areas of Pahala, Punaluu Black Sands Beach, Naalehu and Waiohinu.

The types of signs removed include but are not limited to: Nene Goose Crossing, Tsunami Evacuation Route, and Hawaii scenic byway signs.

https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/202...ighway-11/

[randomq]

Would have been terrible if they spent some of that money improving roads, ports, local electrical and network infrastructure, etc... I'm sure they would have torn it all out when they left.

[kander]

These days, many technologies have been promoted with the idea of fraud in mind. The past two decades there has been dozens of startups that were nothing more than get rich quickly schemes from the venture capital. Solar roadways, theranos, and spin launch. yes they did spin it up and sent a projectile a few hundred feet in the air. But the technical hurdles to spin something up to even a few thousand mph is far beyond what is feasible. Investors don't understand physics/tech, and are easily separated from their money (IE dot com boom/bust) but hey the money spent here would have been nice, given a boost to tax base made a few jobs etc.
Unfortunately, dummies have to parade their crying children in front of cameras about how they are killing them.

Never send someone away that promises to bring money and jobs even if for a limited time.

[TomK]

that investment would be substantially higher here than elsewhere. 

But yet, the company wanted to build here.

I'm fairly sure the company wanted to build here for a very good reason; Hawaii Island is the closest place in the US to the equator, and being closer to the equator means you need to use less energy to launch a satellite due to the rotation of the Earth. That would reduce costs significantly. The other factor is you would be launching directly over the ocean which is always a good thing in case of a launch failure. As for needing a railroad or new highway, the observatories on Mauna Kea succeeded with either of those for decades and they also required brain power and existing infrastructure to work, so I don't see that as a relevant argument.

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But the technical hurdles to spin something up to even a few thousand mph is far beyond what is feasible.

What is your opinion based on?

[kander]

What is your opinion based on?

Dont take my word on this high school physics question. Dr. Phil Mason did a couple of debunk videos on this.
Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ziGI0i9VbE
Part 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibSJ_yy96iE