In this chapter, O'Neill introduces his Island Three concept.
One can see why this hasn't been accomplished, even though O'Neill believed it could have been done already. Evidently, he was figuring that the Space Shuttle would be more successful than what it was. For the sheer amount of matter that would have to be lifted into space, this idea seems immensely fanciful.
The actual living conditions and the economics of the place itself, once having gotten it there, seem reasonably practical. It is the "getting there" part that gives the trouble.
Interesting that he doesn't require anything in the way of new energy sources, like fusion. Not even fission power is mentioned. It is all solar. But the trouble with this is that you have to get it up there. There has to be a way to get it up there.
Al Fin: "Cowboy Commentary", aka "Eat your veggies" The Flag banner is posted in order to defy those who would make patriotic symbols illegal or disreputable.
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