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Japanese Begin Working On Space Elevator
thebryce writes "From cyborg housemaids and waterpowered cars to dog translators and rocket boots, Japanese boffins have racked up plenty of near-misses in the quest to turn science fiction into reality. Now the finest scientific minds of Japan are devoting themselves to cracking the greatest sci-fi vision of all: the space elevator. Man has so far conquered space by painfully and inefficiently blasting himself out of the atmosphere but the 21st century should bring a more leisurely ride to the final frontier. Japan is increasingly confident that its sprawling academic and industrial base can solve those issues, and has even put the astonishingly low price tag of a trillion yen (£5 billion) on building the elevator. Japan is renowned as a global leader in the precision engineering and high-quality material production without which the idea could never be possible."
Supposed you were to get stuck near the very top in space? Who is going to come and rescue you? Ultra-Man? Optimus Prime? Godzilla?
It certainly isn't going to be Otis or the Fire Department.
He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
we can use rocket propulsion on the bottom of the elevator cart
That's the traditional method of reaching space. The cable isn't of any benefit if you're not using it to pull yourself up.
Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
Are the moderators even reading posts? How the hell did an obvious joke get modded insightful?