Skyhook Robot Passes 1000 Foot Mark

JhohannaVH writes "MSNBC.com is running a story about yesterday's successful test of the Space Elevator!! Maybe it will become a reality after all." From the article: "This week's testing involved a 12-foot (4-meter) diameter balloon. Safety lines held by team members kept the balloon from floating away. The ribbon dangling from the balloon was made of composite fiberglass, with the robot lifter running up and down the tether ... During the day, the highest altitude reached by the balloon/ribbon/robot combination was 1,000 feet (305 meters). 'It gives us complete confidence that the mile goal is well within reach,' Laine said. Laine said that the Federal Aviation Administration has been very supportive and helpful in orchestrating their test flights. "

Comments

Partial space elevator still works

[charlesesl]

we could build a partial one about a few kilometers above see level and lunch space craft from there. It will reduce fuel consumption by some ammount.

The Girl From Ipanema...

[fahrbot-bot]

In a related story, a scientist involved in the test had to be committed because, according to eye-witnesses, he went "nuts", after listening to the song "The Girl From Ipanema" over 100 times during the hours-long elevator test.

if they ever get this to work

[Mantorp]

practically, I'll eat my hat