NASA planning to build an elevator to space

Posted by Chris Smith on Fri 6 Nov 2009

And she's buying an elevator to space...

While it may seem like a tale from a science fiction novel - well, actually it is - NASA scientists are undertaking research that could see an elevator into outer space, built during our lifetime.

The contraption could be used to provide safe passage for space tourists to extra terrestrial restaurants and attractions, as well as a cheaper means of carrying machinery and tools to existing space stations.

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"Space elevator-related research is valid, but there are hurdles to overcome," said David Smitherman, a space architect at NASA.

The research currently being undertaken by the Space Agency has its roots firmly grounded in fiction, with a similar plan hatched in "2001" author Arthur C. Clarke's novel "The Fountains of Paradise."

Three teams of engineers are currently competing for a $2 million NASA contract by attempting to build prototype structures that reach up to 1km up into the heavens.

"We haven't had any winners yet, but we truly do expect to have at least one winner, probably more this year," said Ted Semon of the Spaceward Foundation which runs the competition.

The basic mechanics of the situation involve attaching a 22,000-metre long cable from a space station to the earth's surface, which is held in place by inertia and is strong enough to build a climbing structure around.

The only snag at the moment is that no material exists that is strong enough to build the metal cable, and rest assured, you wouldn't want that thing snapping half way up.

Link: NASA (via CNN)