Hyperdodecahedron appears to be the most stable structure to support the sheer size of the thing under it's our gravity. I still want a structural engineer to examine weight distrubutions and overall design.
Volitzer- are you aquainted with space shuttle dynamics? I am studying possible designs for shuttles launched from an electro-magnetic rail-guns.
Summary: Development of Maglev (magnetic levitation), a new mode of transport in which high speed vehicles are magnetically levitated and propelled along a guideway, began in 1966 with the invention of superconducting Maglev by Powell and Danby. Since there is no mechanical contact or friction, the speed of Maglev vehicles is only limited by air drag. In the atmosphere, the practical limit is about 500 kilometers per hour (/spl sim/300 mph). In low pressure (e.g., 1 torr or less) tubes or tunnels, speed is only limited by the straightness of the route, and the distance between stations, with the need to accelerate and decelerate. Tunnels are generally too expensive, 30 million dollars per mile or more, to be practical for most Maglev routes. However, undersea tubes have the potential to be lower in cost, and can provide intercontinental travel at speeds of thousands of miles per hour.
Any design concepts in mind?
I have a particular location that can provide hydro-electric power and it's almost right on the equator.
Because the first launches will be sending the fully automated systems, no human launches will have to be done right of way. If our material can be packed into these transformable shuttle systems to handle alot of G-forces, we can launch those things one right after the other at any speed they can handle.
The shttles would have to be made of the same little robots that they will be carrying into space.
This is the challenge. First these units will have to assemble into launchable units. Then enter orbit, transform into the next portion of assembly. Then selfsustain itself using collective systems and comunication with command satellites that will eventually become a part of the structure as well.