Paper One Summary and Outline

The paper I chose is:
Rather, John D. G. "Transformational Technologies To Expedite Space Access And Development." AIP Conference Proceedings 1208.1 (2010): 137-146. Academic Search Complete. Web. 31 Jan. 2012.
(Pretend it's MLA formatted).

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Summary:

"Transformational Technologies To Expedite Space Access And Development" by John Rather is a suggestion on how superconducting wires can be used to support an electromagnetic launch tube capable of sending spacecraft and building materials out of the atmosphere without the use of on-board fuel. This would significantly decrease the costs of spaceflight, therefor allowing much easier access into space. The author explains that the tube would function like an upside down suspension bridge (140). The launch tube would gradually slope upwards to a height of roughly 12 miles above sea level at the end. The author explains that although the land usage would be high, there are many suitable locations in the U.S. and other countries (142). Near the end of the paper the author also suggests more "futuristic" ideas such as capturing asteroids for building materials, radiation shielding, and even to deflect other Earth-bound celestial rocks (145), and "power beaming" (143). Power beaming is a concept where an concentrated electron beam sends energy from Earth to facilities on the moon or on Mars or vice-versa.

Paper Outline:
I. Introduction
Thesis: This article is aimed at college students and beginning researchers interested in different ideas for the future of space travel.

II. Body
A) Author's style.
--->Very inspiring
--->Calling for a new wave of technological development
--->Defines terms/limited jargon
B) Elements used.
--->Historical background
--->Pictures
--->Hypothetical situations