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Space Elevator Prototype Climbs MIT Building

Posted by timothy on from the no-place-for-lecter-to-hide dept.

Jackie O writes "According to an employee blog on the Liftport Group website, their prototype robot for the Space Elevator has just successfully climbed a 260-foot building (in a driving snowstorm, no less) at MIT. Now all they have to get it to do is climb over 60 thousand miles into space, carrying things. Good luck there." Update: 11/17 05:17 GMT by T : Liftport has posted some photos from the ascent, too. Thanks!

4 of 422 comments (clear)

  1. Space Elevators will never work! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    Too much space junk in low orbit, a collision would be inevitable with a stationary Space Elevator shearing it off and sending it crashing back to Earth.

    In all practicality, Space Elevators will never be feasible.

  2. parent overated.. by Goosey · · Score: 0, Troll

    Can't believe parent is getting modded funny. I mean it might be funny if thats how it was posted, but it clearly says 260 feet. I mean COME ON

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    --- "End Of Line" - MCP
  3. profitable by slam+smith · · Score: 0, Troll

    Even if all the technical difficulties get solved. I can't see this being built unless it can make money.

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  4. Why do we need this? by jim_v2000 · · Score: 0, Troll

    Why exactly do we need a giant elevator into space again? I mean, once you get up there, there isn't a whole lot to see except the view.

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    Don't take life so seriously. No one makes it out alive.