Space Elevator

Discussion in 'Science and Nature' started by kshoener1230, Aug 12, 2008.

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator


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    This sounds like it going to be wild.
    That is some cool technology. with that carbon material.
     
  2. Yeah man I saw that Nova(I think it was Nova) on PBS. Insane shit huh?
     
  3. That's gonna be some crazy elevator music.. And plz don't flatulate in my elevator kthanx
     
  4. Greetings,

    As per usual, I am limited from watching this video due to bandwidth limitations on my connection. That being said, I am familiar with the proposed design concept of the space elevator.

    It is genuinely a novel idea, and the potential gains from such an investment would me... excuse the pun... astronomical. I mean, I could talk about the potential benefits of a space elevator for hours. It's truly an incredible concept.

    Of course, we have many technological, financial and even social hurdles to tackle before this becomes a serious consideration for humanity. But we're well on our way, with the advances in nanotechnology and our increasinly inventive ability for structural and mechanical engineering, it has made the space elevator a plausible project.

    Also, another contributing factor is the current (albeit double-edged) awareness of environmental damage and the limitations of terrestrial geo-centred habitation and more pertinantly; the new possibilites of resource harvesting.

    Unfortunately, in my mind, the biggest issue is the investment. Human civilizations tend to be very bad at multi-generational investments, especially one as large and expensive as a space elevator. Although, the space industry is changing, it's becoming private and not public, it's moving ahead again, and there is potential and room for change.

    As the most basic level, I just hope that we, as a species, decide to invest in this -- I think we cannot afford not to.

    Yours Truly,
    Sam_Spade
     
  5. <-- "a stairway to heaven"
     

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