Some space fanatics might know this idea first proposed by Konstantin Tsiolkosky at 1895. He proposed the idea of a tower reaching geosynchronous orbit. However to make such an elevator we would need a material that is both lighter and stronger than anything we have right now. However the developments with nanotechnologies have allowed for new materials to be created such as Carbon Nanotubes which might just be strong and light enough.
To the right is a diagram showing the system recently proposed. The climber is the elevator with the idea of centrifugal force used to keep the space elevator stable.
The benefit of having a Space Elevator is quite simple. Spaceships launched at that height would already be in space and therefore would not have to escape earth's gravitational field. Due to this they would have more fuel and would not slow down as they would be in a vacuum.
The main reason why the building of this hasnt even started is again simply the price. Due to carbon nanotubes being a new technology, it is quite expensive and to build something on a magnitude of a space elevator would literally cost an unimaginable amount therefore for now there is not enough support but I honestly see this happening quite soon.
In fact, a Japanese company actually plans to have it built by 2050. Obayashi Corp has quite the inspiring goal to have it built soon and I wish them all the luck in succeeding.
Below is another picture detailing the concept behind it. May we all one day be able to take an elevator to space.
This is Mehul, Signing out.
To the right is a diagram showing the system recently proposed. The climber is the elevator with the idea of centrifugal force used to keep the space elevator stable.
The benefit of having a Space Elevator is quite simple. Spaceships launched at that height would already be in space and therefore would not have to escape earth's gravitational field. Due to this they would have more fuel and would not slow down as they would be in a vacuum.
The main reason why the building of this hasnt even started is again simply the price. Due to carbon nanotubes being a new technology, it is quite expensive and to build something on a magnitude of a space elevator would literally cost an unimaginable amount therefore for now there is not enough support but I honestly see this happening quite soon.
In fact, a Japanese company actually plans to have it built by 2050. Obayashi Corp has quite the inspiring goal to have it built soon and I wish them all the luck in succeeding.
Below is another picture detailing the concept behind it. May we all one day be able to take an elevator to space.
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