A colossal elevator to space could be going up sooner than you ever imagined

NASA says the basic concept of a space elevator is sound, and researchers around the world are optimistic that one can be built. The Obayashi Corp., a global construction firm based in Tokyo, has said it will build one by 2050, and China wants to build one as soon as 2045. Now an experiment to be conducted soon aboard the International Space Station will help determine the real-world feasibility of a space elevator. “The space elevator is the Holy Grail of space exploration,” says Michio Kaku, a professor of physics at City College of New York and a noted futurist. “Imagine pushing the ‘up’ button of an elevator and taking a ride into the heavens. It could open up space to the average person.”

A colossal elevator to space could be going up sooner than you ever imagined


Well 2045 -2050 is not sooner than I imagined. The story by NBC linked above does not really give us much news at all about what is being done to get one built. A space elevator would open up the solar system to human exploration. I feel this is where NASA and private industry should be focused. If man really wants to mine outer space this is what is needed.

To build ships in space, a space elevator seems to be a requirement. I see it as the only real way to get the materials and fuel needed into space to build a large interplanetary space ship with artificial gravity and all the works. Many large nuclear powered space elevators are what is needed if man is to ever set foot on the moons of the gas giants.

I admit I don't know much about the math and science required to build one, but many bright minds think it is the way to go. Is a space elevator really possible or is it all hype?


Below are some links and a video if you don't know much about the idea of a space elevator.



Some info here - wikipedia.org

Some stories here - spaceref.com

I am very envious of the people who are around 1000 years from now.

As long as we dont destroy ourselves or get destroyed it would be a great time to be alive.

First there is this bit of good news:

phys.org, Sept. 11, 2018 - A Japanese company is about to test a tiny space elevator in space.

They are going to use cube sats to simulate a mini-space elevator to see if the idea works.

Then there is this bit of bad news:

Smithsonian.com - A New Hitch in the Plan for Building a Space Elevator.

They state if one molecule in the carbon nanotube is off the strength of the fiber is halved. Unless we can build perfect CNTs this might just stay in the realm of sci-fi.

I like the idea and it may work better on a planet with no atmosphere. Or if they can make Carbyne in tandem with CNT but we are just starting to make these materials.

originally posted by: notsure1


I am very envious of the people who are around 1000 years from now.

As long as we dont destroy ourselves or get destroyed it would be a great time to be alive.

There is a very serious, very determined group of people who say if you can survive the next 30 years you can live the next 1000...hang in there!

It will be a looooong elevator ride... and a tad more serious should it break down.. .BUT it's the best bet to escape our gravity well...

unless someone, somewhere, is keeping better systems of energy production and propulsion secret...

secret for perverse, unforgivable reasons like control, wealth consolidation and ... control. A-hem.

The main concern, though, is not nano-material production or better methods of transport, but rather to improve the music selection for the riders.

why is it going to take so long?

I know what you mean. But we get to walk around with a computer in our hand, drive, fly. I bet the people 1000 years ago would be pretty envious of us

a reply to: LookingAtMars

Once we conquer colonize and industrialize our own our own low Earth orbit the Moon and Mars will a tangible prospect.

And a space elevator makes that a distinct possibility.

originally posted by: TEOTWAWKIAIFF
First there is this bit of good news:

phys.org, Sept. 11, 2018 - A Japanese company is about to test a tiny space elevator in space.

They are going to use cube sats to simulate a mini-space elevator to see if the idea works.

Then there is this bit of bad news:

Smithsonian.com - A New Hitch in the Plan for Building a Space Elevator.

They state if one molecule in the carbon nanotube is off the strength of the fiber is halved. Unless we can build perfect CNTs this might just stay in the realm of sci-fi.

I like the idea and it may work better on a planet with no atmosphere. Or if they can make Carbyne in tandem with CNT but we are just starting to make these materials.

You never know when there might be a breakthrough and we could start mass producing these materials. Thanks for the links.

a reply to: PokeyJoe

If you have the $$$ maybe

seems more like a PR stunt for funding than anything

"oh look we will do something cool by the time your great grand kids have great grand kids, also by 2900 the earth will be warmer"

originally posted by: toysforadults
why is it going to take so long?

Like TEOTWAWKIAIFF said above, the materials. Imagine the force that will be put on the cable that connects space to the Earth.

a reply to: Baddogma

unless someone, somewhere, is keeping better systems of energy production and propulsion secret... secret for perverse, unforgivable reasons like control, wealth consolidation and ... control. A-hem.

Now who would do that?

a reply to: andy06shake

It may be better to colonize and industrialize the orbit of the moon. Too much junk around Earth and that would really add to it. The moon is not really that far away.

originally posted by: toysforadults
seems more like a PR stunt for funding than anything

"oh look we will do something cool by the time your great grand kids have great grand kids, also by 2900 the earth will be warmer"

It really does need to be done and I think it is feasible. The greedy will always be greedy and take advantage of something like this.

I about snip My pants now when I have to ride in one, so You can have My spot.

a reply to: JimNasium

I guess you stay of of roller coasters then

a reply to: LookingAtMars

Now who would do that?

I have no proof, but certainly nobody I'd care to have a drink with.

Tech suppression is a always a possibility, though. What better way for a sociopath.. .er, leader, to control and "farm" the ruminant masses and keep them busy with inferior tech?

For instance, some of the stories about oil interests burying alternative energy and/or efficiency have decent provenance; and there are quite a few decent "ufo" reports that would, at the least, indicate alternative technologies.

Nuthin' fer sure, though... as far as I know, anyway.

Imagine the damage if some looney(s) ever flies a plane into it and knocks it down

Super cool nonetheless.

A2D

How they going to protect that thing if it's even built?