From: gcowan@eagle.ca   
      
   Axel Walthelm wrote:   
   >   
   > Some months ago I reconsidered an old idea of mine about a different   
   > way to go to space. I still believe it might work. But feel free to   
   > tell me why you reckon it won't. Or maybe you have an idea how to use   
   > this concept better/simpler/more economical?   
   >   
   > The concept is described at   
   > http://www.walthelm.net/inverted-aerobraking.html   
   >   
   > Since I read news very sporadically, please respond by email or at   
   > least send a copy by email. And please be patient with me and allow me   
   > some time to respond. This is just a part-time hobby :*)   
      
   A system like this was part of story that I'm almost certain   
   was by Donald Kingsbury. Oxygen from the moon was released as vapour   
   from many points along a rail, and the vessel needing to be   
   boosted to orbital speed came in along this rail and hit the   
   oxygen. It was called an "imp", short for impact-something.   
      
      
   --- Graham Cowan   
   http://www.eagle.ca/~gcowan/Paper_for_11th_CHC.doc --   
   How individual mobility gains nuclear cachet.   
   Link if you want it to happen   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)