LiftPort Group Space Elevator by 2031

[Bluesteel]

Now this really would see a dramatic drop in the cost to orbit.

http://www.liftport.com/

[Sam Fraser]

Possibly. It could also be like cheap, clean nuclear fusion, which has always been "just around the corner" for 30 years now. As per the PERMANENT forum guidelines, our focus isn't on non-existent, far-future technologies like space elevators, so I'll close this thread.

[Rhyshaelkan]

Finally got around to moving this thread to the off-topic section. Feel free to discuss the possibilities of an space elevator. Not quite what PERMANENT has as a goal. But it is fun to talk science and technology ;)

[RaresH]

I have to say this is an amazing and promising idea. Of course carbon nanotubes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube), the only known molecular structures that could enable the constructions of space elevators, has many other promising applications not the least being the miniaturization of electronics such as supercomputers the size of a watch.

Of course the $1500 per gram price will have to be overcome to make the space elevator a viable option.

It sure would be a site to see. All though orbital debris would be a big problem.

[Rhyshaelkan]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w257/khanrhy/wiffle/tensile_vs_shear_strength.png
funny cartoon about an space-elevator

Can find more here.
http://xkcd.com/697/