[anon8764]

Also keep in mind that Elon Musk is trying this, but as a bastardization of its potential. What do I mean by this? The shortest distance between two points is a straight line (currently). Look at a map. The cities that were cultivated where they are geographically located are influenced by (Water + Politics + Monetary incentives to build roads closer to smaller cities to draw business (corruption) ) So if this hyperloop does pick up, it will be a horrible expenditure of resources.

[iamcurious]

I didn't follow this. How is the hyperloop related to space? Also what exactly would it be a horrible expenditure of resources?

[anon8764]

The hyperloop could be related to space if they decide to experiment with slightly altering the trajectory to lead into space, giving it an edge energy-wise to break out of the atmosphere.

It would be a horrible expenditure of resources because when you look at a map of where humans designed and placed their cities, they are inefficient for travel and resource distribution.

Example: Manufacturing parts are created in Tennessee, shipped to Michigan, Manufactured in Michigan, and shipped to Florida to sell/distribute.

Instead, why not ship the raw materials to a equidistant manufacturing node/plant, create the material there, then distribute it. It's not done this way (most efficient) because money/corruption incentivizes backwards thinking of keeping "jobs" in sectors that are a waste of energy to complete and continue. Interesting times we live in.

Here is an example of an efficient and effective city design: http://i.imgur.com/shnIgHn.jpg