Holy crap, NASA space elevator contest
 

This is like something out of The Fountains of Paradise. Never thought I'd see something like this in my lifetime.

Climbing The Sky

The dream of a Space Elevator is a monumental one. A vision that will not only further space exploration and knowledge, but has the potential to shape the existential future of the human race for centuries to come.
For the first time since it was initially conceived, this dream is now within our reach.

Elevator 2010 has joined the massive construction effort, adding energy, resources and new initiatives to the ever-growing number of organizations, companies, websites and enthusiasts focused on the technical, political and economic development of the Space Elevator.

We firmly believe that the set of technologies that underlie the infinite promise of the Space Elevator can be demonstrated, or proven infeasible, within a 5 year time-frame.

And hence our name. Elevator:2010. we promise to get an answer for you by then.

very cool stuff, doubt it will be come a reality but you never know.

just need Richard Branson from virgin and those guys from scaled composites (spaceship one) to get involved and they would probably make it happen.

Are there any malls or amusement parks up there? Maybe a Double Tree? It's nice to get that cookie on my pillow...

You just know the week after something like that were completed, some fundamentalist Islamic asshole would fly a 767 into the thing.

There is a White Castle

This is an age old idea from way back in the 60's. I've read about this before.

Can't see me taking a ride in no space elivator :shake:

I cannot agree more....... Now, riding a space elevator, is another story. :hmmm:

Uh oh.... you dunit now. DC forum here we come.

I would do it in a heartbeat.

I heard there were two Starbucks.

If you only count the ones inside of the White Castle then yes, there are only 2.

That's one small step...
 

I agree the dream is a monumental one, and I am sure the cost will be monumental as well...

But if it can be built, the solar system will be our playground...

When they started creating carbon nano-fibers a few years back, most every article discussing it mentioned it as a perfect fit for a space elevator. Haven't seen anything about it in the new recently, but I'm guessing it's matured some which is why NASA started the contest for the tether material.