google, deep blue, self-driving cars, Watson, alphago
$4100/kg to LEO
Several research firms set up shop within Naratu
$800/kg to LEO
Enough electric cars have been built to reduce oil demand by 2 million barrels per year. Surplus oil production sends oil prices into freefall. Petrostates including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE begin to experience radical changes in their power structure. All of them experience regime changes, and many undergo major reforms.
The reactor produces more electric power than it consumes.
The treatment is available from a clinic located in the small island nation of Naratu. The cult is the largest share holder of this technology. Pricing is astronomical. Profits are even more so. Cult wealth increases 10x in a year.
The first launch loop is built in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The departure point is a space port on the island of Kiritamati in the equatorial Pacific.
The reactor generates power at a price that is lower than the highest electrical price on Earth.
It is not capable of landing and uses fission power.
The new colony is founded by hivists.