Re: Catapult takeoff?
Darn, y'all beat me to the catapult takeoff idea. Oh, well, great minds think alike, and all that.
As for the 3-4 gs, I've personally experienced a sustained 3.5Gs (courtesy of a NASA centrifuge), and, while not what I'd call comfortable, it wasn't exactly painful (It did make me want to toss my cookies when I turned my head, although I was able to suppress the urge, just barely.). Still, that was back while I was still rather young and in good physical shape. I'm not sure an octogenarian, or someone with heart problems, would fare nearly as well.
Dave
P.S. I'll get my coat. It's the one with the "Astronaut Training Guide" in the pocket.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
