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."

Comments

Re:Oh great, one more reason for Bush to intervene

[cmallinson]

...if you look at all the countries near the eqautor, they're rife with anti-Americanism. If you think Bush will let haters of American gain the high ground, forget it.

Bush will not see it as a problem. The scientists will pick the best place in the world for the elevator, and Bush will gather evidence on the "terrists" that live there. The country will be declare a threat to international security, bombed to oblivion, and a new government will be installed (note: a new installation may not be necessary - I hear a patch is in the works). This new government will allow the US full control of enough land to maintain the elevator, and maybe offer a deal on Oil.

Re:Oh great, one more reason for Bush to intervene

[Synn]

Jeesh. Your country massacres a few native tribes and shoves the rest onto reservations and they never let you forget about it...