Two part MAB: Cargo and Crew

Sixth part here.

An infrequently asked question ( IFAQ).  Why do you add an S4B conventional rocket to a design that doesn't require one?  After all, the microwave design can lift a payload to orbit as an SSTO in its own right.

Yes, even though Parkins' design was SSTO, it is not practical for human crews as its acceleration would be too great for a person to endure.  This will allow the MAB to be introduced, which will allow for full reusability and a much lower price tag for each launch.  Even though you do it this way, it doesn't preclude building a cargo version which will lift a lot of cargo for its size.

Using Parkins' numbers, a 500,000 lb wet mass cargo vehicle could lift 20% of its mass as useful cargo.  That means 100k lbs or 50 tons, the same weight class as a Falcon 9 heavy.  Now, if you can do that for  that for half the price of a Falcon 9 launch, it would seem to be a bargain to me.  And that is a conservative estimate on price per launch for the MAB.

Update:

Part 8 of a series.