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Space Elevators: Low Cost Ticket to GEO?
Crocuta writes "The current issue of Science
News features a cover story
that discusses the current developments in space elevator technology. NASA has been
working on such devices for many years, but private companies such as Highlift Systems are now jumping on the space
elevator bandwagon, no doubt seeing the huge potential profit in a low cost per pound
delivery system. PhysicsWeb has a somewhat
older, but much more technical article
on the formation and structure of the carbon nanotubes that form the basis of the proposed
tether cables. With a development like this, we could shoot entire boy bands into space and make
the world a better place."
We have enough trouble getting stuck on elevators between floors in 5 story buildings. Could you imagine getting stuck half-way to the moon? They better be sure to put one of those bright red emergency phones on this bad boy.
Those of us already in orbit can't wait for the space elevator to be complete. Finally, we can get some cable TV.
.
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"A microprocessor... is a terrible thing to waste." --
GeneralEmergency
The problem with something this tall is that it will inevitably be destroyed, and we will be scattered throughout the earth and forced to speak different languages.
Best Windows Freeware
top floor: shoes, ladies ligerie, space. please mind the gap.
Cars will be drawn to the top of the elevator by a team of trained mules, hitched to a rope of a length roughly 1.8 times the circumference of the Earth. We anticipate only minor difficulties obtaining a right-of-way through most nations (with the possible exception of Sweden, because they're lame).
The mules will be fed and cared for by dedicated and highly trained staffpersons. At the end of their useful lifespan, most retired mules will be adopted by loving families everywhere. Unclaimed mules will be shot, as will be unclaimed members of loving families. Irresponsible and gratuitously hostile critics, who clearly do not have the best interests of humanity in mind, will be shot also.
On special occasions and international holidays, children of all races, creeds, colors, and nationalities, clothed in their quaint and colorful native garb, will be invited to throw superballs and apples from the top of the elevator. They will be charged only a nominal fee for this unique privilege. Highly sophisticated surveillance technology will enable all the world to enjoy the festivities!
We are now accepting investments in this historic, one-of-a-kind investment opportunity, not to be missed by the progressive and forward-thinking investors of our great nation. We anticipate incalculable earnings; we also anticipate neglecting to calculate them. Please give us all of your money right now and I promise you'll not regret having been so easily gulled.
"Offtopic, Inflammatory, Inappropriate, Illegal, or Offensive" -- hey, that's me!
Sounds like more of a Shelbyville idea...
"I may be quite wrong." - Socrates
Instead of spending billions to perfect a safe, efficient delivery method why not just unravel the world's largest rubber band ball; tie them all together; and shoot the boy bands (one at a time for greater distance) into space?
Microsoft could build this thing *OUT OF* cash!