Reply To: Space Fountain

[Brian H]

Lots of agreements and disagreements. Regarding Duke’s last point, your study of history is faulty in the extreme. The “rising tide” theory works far better than the “grab our share” one. Organized labor had a role, briefly, but has long since become the epitome of what it resisted: a wannabe monopolistic money funnel. 8 of 10 of the largest international unions are branches of the Mafia, e.g. And the less said about Hoffa et al, the better.

As for distribution of FoFus, the sheer numbers involved prohibit attempting to be the “prime supplier”. Licenses to those interested and equipped will work far better.

And I think regulatory roadblocks and dikes will be rapidly swamped by the HUGE competitive disadvantage accepted by any jurisdiction that doesn’t get with the plan. That would apply within the US between states, and internationally.

Opening up opportunities will be the most significant factor. Both directly (re-opening aluminum smelters closed because of power costs, e.g.) and indirectly (money freed up to do other work.) One major casualty, however, will be every “renewable green” power project on the planet. Multiplying the subsidy ratio necessary to compete by a factor of 10 or more above already ruinous levels (see, as a horrible example, the UK) is a non-starter. Especially since FF is greener and cleaner than any of them. Plus infinitely more dispatchable and reliable.