There is lots of discussion about the space elevator. This week a new technique was proposed to power the climber (aka the elevator “car”) that will go up and down the cable:

Getting into space by broomstick

But what if there is a better way for get into orbit? One proposed technique is called the Launch Loop, as described here:

The Launch Loop – people and machines to orbit and beyond (PDF)

The estimated cost? About $300 per kilogram for the initial system, and $3/kg for a second-generation system. For comparison, NASA just signed a contract to move cargo to the space station for $80,000/kg.

The author offers this conclusion:

Right now, we don’t need that much space transport. But once
we do, a launch loop can provide it cheaply. The system is safe
for people and machines. We are using available materials and
engineering techniques.

The system is thousands of kilometers long. Any man-rated
accelerator launch system must be. But it is thinner and lighter
than a single railroad rail or power cable.

Most importantly, there is NO MAGIC. No funny disappearing
forces, no new physics, no antimatter, no gigantic national scale
programs. We can build a launchloop if and when we want it.
The Launch Loop will be there when we decide we want to be in
space.

See also: Launch Loop