The cheap way to the stars - by escalator

[frustrated_lefty]

David Adam, science correspondent
Saturday September 13, 2003
The Guardian

"If climbing a stairway to heaven sounds like too much hard work, then a conference of 70 scientists and engineers opening in Santa Fe today may offer hope of a more leisurely way into space.
In two days of discussions, the scientists aim to turn into a reality an ambition that has been around for at least a century: the creation of a space elevator that would deliver satellites, spacecraft and even people thousands of kilometres into space along a vertical track.

Engineers say that recent advances in materials science - particularly in the development of carbon nanotubes - mean that such a system, which first gained widespread attention when the science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke described it in his 1979 novel Fountains of Paradise, is no longer pure science fiction.

Mr Clarke - who once said a space elevator would only be built "about 50 years after everyone stops laughing" - was due to address the scientists at the Santa Fe conference today by satellite link from his home in Sri Lanka."

more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/spacedocumentary/story/0,2763,1041360,00.html

[LeftCoast]

1. If they ever get one built, it'll be the most amzing thing in human histor

I hope they can get it going one of these centuries...

[Minstrel Boy]

2. reminds me of a brilliant episode of

South Park. The boys are building a ladder to Heaven to get candy. The military supports the project so the US can reach heaven first. The President is told that Saddam is building WMD in Heaven, and 51% believe Heaven should be bombed.

[masmdu]

3. Late to the party....These Guys Have Been At it For Years.

http://www.isr.us/SEHome.asp

and

http://www.americanantigravity.com/highlift.html

Started in Seatle years ago.

[Patriot_Spear]

4. Can you imagine the potential kenetic energy...

If this hair-brained monstrosity ever got built and then became unstable?

hhheeeellloooo? ...ever hear of a 'rail-gun'? Boom.