Isn\'t radiation much higher at those altitudes? I wonder if there\'s a difference in radiation exposure between the materials.

Very dissapointing. Why are we still even considdering such a thing when maglev trains running in a vacume would give us so much more.

Reduced exposure to cosmic radiation, zero heat released into the atmousphere (unlike jet engines), no turbulence, system failure less likely to result in every one on board dying, cheaper to run and maintain as there are no moving parts. Environmentally friendly. Capable of achieving the maximum acceleration acceptable on commercial travel that humans would be comfortable with.

What is wrong with the people on this plannet. Wake up would you.

Foxy, most people on this planet are still wasting their life praying to Bronze age magic sky gods that do not exist,, ahh religion, poison and social control for the morons who suck it up

Looks good but would mobile seat stay in place in a crash landing? I would expect facing the seats backwards, with Utility fog harnesses and pop-up crash cells. That wont be hard in 2050. The biggest catch will be passenger comfort. There\'s nothing to grab if its bumpy. Not every one wants to face right or sleep at once and the bar/ rec-room would be a hazard in turbulence. It kind of complicates carry on luggage if you\'ve got to leave your seat and queue at the luggage bot to get your stuff.

bdsterne the materials used to day don\'t stop it and aren\'t effected by it. Future materials should handle the radiation. Satellites are subjected to greater radiation fluxes and electronics is adapting.

Foxy1968 Re \'maglev trains running in a vacume\' Who\'s going to build the trillion dollar vacuum tubes? That\'s the challenge for vacuum maglev. No incremental deployment options. Its not viable for short hall travel so its trapped as a \'too big to do project\'.

Surely the internet along with increasing virtual reality simulation and immersion(to the point of BEING in places) will lead to a world that doesn\'t have to travel physically with our bodies? It\'s the trend I\'m seeing

Wesley Bruce is correct that evacuated tubes would be much too expensive for an extensive rail network. But there are other slightly slower options for a 21st century continental railroad that nobody in this country seems to be interested in. It doesn\'t help that the US has become an entire nation of NIMBYists who obstruct progress more often than not. No wonder China is cleaning our clocks.

Why is that plane flying at that mountain, oh I see it is a geography lesson. 2050? the world council will NOT allow planes, way to polluting in fact Airbus should look at getting into telekinesis . Its the future of travel baby

What\'s with the \"heat harvesting seats\"? That\'ll just make them way too cold! I think I\'ll have a heated seat thank you very much.