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Space Elevators: Low Cost Ticket to GEO?

Posted by michael on from the seven-days-of-muzak-and-seven-more-to-go dept.

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."

9 of 426 comments (clear)

  1. Riiiiight... by keep_it_simple_stupi · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

    1. Re:Riiiiight... by unicron · · Score: 5, Funny

      Maybe they've got one of those big ass staircases, like when a roller coaster breaks down.

      --
      Finally, math books without any of that base 6 crap in them.
  2. Those of us already in orbit... by mythosaz · · Score: 5, Funny

    Those of us already in orbit can't wait for the space elevator to be complete. Finally, we can get some cable TV.

    1. Re:Those of us already in orbit... by km790816 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Our tax dollars at work: The guys on the space station are reading /.

      Geeze.....

      --
      A speech...
  3. It'll be just our luck... by GeneralEmergency · · Score: 5, Funny


    . ...that when it gets built, the Longshoremen will insist that loading and unloading it is a union job.

    .

    --
    "A microprocessor... is a terrible thing to waste." --
    GeneralEmergency
  4. The Babel effect by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    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
  5. *ding* by joe_bruin · · Score: 5, Funny

    top floor: shoes, ladies ligerie, space. please mind the gap.

  6. Nah... by McCart42 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sounds like more of a Shelbyville idea...

    --
    "I may be quite wrong." - Socrates
  7. Cheaper Solution by DaytonCIM · · Score: 5, Funny

    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?