It might be more cost effective to build a really long, narrow elevator into space vs. paying $450 million per launch of a rocket&#x2F;large spacecraft.[1] And keep in mind that launching a large spacecraft usually carries less than 12 individuals.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nasa.gov&#x2F;centers&#x2F;kennedy&#x2F;about&#x2F;information&#x2F;shuttle_faq.html#10" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nasa.gov&#x2F;centers&#x2F;kennedy&#x2F;about&#x2F;information&#x2F;shuttl...</a>