I’m sure there are a few hurdles, but wondering what is the biggest reason that keeps us back at this moment as the most pressing thing. Is it that the technology just isn’t there yet? Or is it because of legal complications, international treaties and all that? Is it just not financially feasible to do at this present time with the technology we do have? That we could do it, in theory, but the ROI is too low?
It’s feasibly if you don’t have to launch 6 rockets to get it up and and going, i.e. if you’ve allready got a regular supply line into space to a permanent space station or a moon station.
If you want to go from London to Liverpool by train, it’ll cost you millions to build the rail and purchase a locomotive. Except it’ll actually only cost you a couple pounds for a ticket, because all that infrastructure is allready in place. Because generations before us invested in all that stuff to supply the mines and the factories.
Very fair point. But the biggest barrier is always going to be fuel spent vs potential payload.
Trains an incredibly efficient once built, able to move huge payloads for very low ongoing fuel use.