[r9etb]

Let private enterprise do it. They're already doing brilliantly in near space.

Is private enterprise somehow immune to the Cold Equations of Space? They're not.

And they're also not immune to the Cold Equations of Return on Investment. Aside from the fabulously profitable comsat market, private enterprise hasn't got much incentive to go into space right now.

[The Red Zone]

Would there be some way to get around this by keeping some of the propulsion system earthbound? Like a humongous slingshot or catapult?

[Balding_Eagle]

Aside from the fabulously profitable comsat market, private enterprise hasn't got much incentive to go into space right now.

Well that's not true. Virgin Airlies, or some spin-off, is already placed orders for spacecraft and is selling, or plans to sell, 'space vacations'.