Those nice guys at Space.com have the full story. Private firms are looking into the feasibility of building the mammoth "vertical railroad." It seems the major holdup (superstrong carbon fibers) is only a few years away from being perfected.
If it works, transport missions into orbit would become extremely inexpensive and a lot more commonplace.
August 20, 2002
Space Elevator Concept Moving Forward
Brian Science
Those nice guys at Space.com have the full story. Private firms are looking into the feasibility of building the mammoth "vertical railroad." It seems the major holdup (superstrong carbon fibers) is only a few years away from being perfected.
If it works, transport missions into orbit would become extremely inexpensive and a lot more commonplace.