Also, the first stage put up the second and third stage units.
What if you have a payload container that was the size and weight limits of the second and third stage, which was put up into LEO by the first stage. The payload would then be picked up by vehicles already in orbit, and the first stage unit returns to earth.
Assuming that the payloads are simply building materials, to be assembled by bots in orbit....
The first sage alone won't take your payload to LEO - you'd still need a second stage. However, orbital tugs with electric engines could take your payload from LEO to other orbits with less reaction mass than a chemical rocket could.
You'd still have to refuel their reaction mass, unless we are talking solar or magnetic sails.
What if you have a payload container that was the size and weight limits of the second and third stage, which was put up into LEO by the first stage. The payload would then be picked up by vehicles already in orbit, and the first stage unit returns to earth.
Assuming that the payloads are simply building materials, to be assembled by bots in orbit....