Funadvice Logo

62,000 mile high space elevator operational by 2018?

Home More advice Science

Federal Triangle By FCW Staff Published on February 8, 2004

The LiftPort Group, in Bremerton, Wash., says that a 62,000-mile commercial space elevator could be operational by 2018.

LiftPort officials propose that a space elevator, constructed from a carbon nanotube composite ribbon anchored to a sea platform, could transport cargo and ultimately humans to the moon, Mars and beyond. Robotic lifters attached to the ribbon would carry cargo such as satellites and solar-powered panels far into space.

"We see the space elevator as an important infrastructure element for the expansion of commerce and human travel into space," said Michael Laine, LiftPort's president.

Company officials said such an elevator would reduce launch costs for a savings of up to $20,000 per pound. The company plans two major tests of robotic lifters this year, including one using a high-altitude balloon.

-In response to the article. Is this possible making a 62,000 mile high space elevator in less than 10 years. Keep in mind this elevator is 124,000 times taller than the Burj Dubai and it claims to be functional in less than 10 years. There hasn't even been a groundbreaking yet! And why does it need to be built to 62,000 miles when the Karmian line to space is at most 62.2 miles which is 1,000 times lower?