Moonage SpaceDream

Enthusiasts on Friday unveiled an effort to establish an annual competition for space-elevator technologies, taking a page from the playbook for other high-tech contests such as the $10 million Ansari X Prize.

OK, the concept sounds simple enough, just build a permanent reusable elevator to space. For some reason I have never bought into this idea. I like it, it would be fantastic, but it just doesn’t jive with me for some reason. Possibly because it’s been sold in sci-fi cartoons for too long? Possibly because it’s too simple? I don’t know. I can see where it would have to be semi-flexible, and utilize modern materials that can withstand the harsh climate of the upper-atmosphere. What we need to do it with is already available. So why hasn’t NASA seriously pursued this? According to them it’s all there for the making.

I think the main problem is it’s not glamorous enough to sell to the public. That’s mainly a PR obstacle IMO. They shouldn’t have any problem selling it to someone like me, who wants to see space opened up for anyone that wants to visit.

I still have my doubts. But then again, when they were deciding how to get into space in the late 50’s, I’m sure some people questioned the logic of setting a man on top of a major explosion and blasting him into space.

If the technology is there, then let’s do it. It shouldn’t take some kid’s game to do something so logical.

More blogs about space elevators.

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