The Gravity Train

[Nyptop]

Hi Guys,

 

My first post/thread :) Anyway, was wondering what you thought about the concept of a gravity train? Here is a video introducing it:

 

Thanks

[Eclogite]

It is theoretically valid, but far beyond current technology. You require an almost perfect vacuum and materials that can withstand the intense pressure and temperature within core and mantle. One day perhaps, but by that time we will be down to three fingers and a thumb and even Cher will be dead.

[Nyptop]

A not so far of alternative would perhaps be a smaller moon out in the solar system. If you have a youtube account do 'like' it as a friend and I made it :)

Edited March 13, 2012 by Nyptop

[Eudoxus]

A similar idea was proposed by Robert Heinlein and you can read a description in his novel Friday. Rather than using gravity and dealing with drilling all the way through the center of the earth, instead you drill long tunnels just a few kilometers under the surface and depressurize them to near-vacuum. You use an electromagnetic accelerator at either end to launch capsules to orbital speed. You use a similar set up at the other end to brake, and the braking station to convert some of the kinetic energy back into electromagnetic energy, making the system more efficient. You curve the tunnels to account for coriolis effects. Voila, ground-level orbital-speed transport. All you need are ten thousand kilometer long airtight tunnels that can resist earthquakes, and linear accelerators that can reach orbital speeds.

 

Slightly more feasible than drilling through the center of the earth though.