Why Do We Need An Elevator Into Space?

The idea of an elevator into space is not a new one. First contemplated by a Russian scientist in 1895, it was not truly popularized until Arthur C. Clarke’s novel Fountains of Paradise in 1978.

The idea is so simple, it seems absurd. A tether is extended from the surface of the earth, and using a combination of gravity and centrifugal force, is extended outwards. Vehicles can then scale this tether, removing the need for costly rockets.

Arthur C. Clarke claims that the space elevator is an attainable goal, and we will have one “about 10 years after people stop laughing.” However, before it can be constructed, there are many engineering issues that need to be worked out. This page is not the end all, and contains no breakthroughs or answers. However,

However, these are engineering problems that are much closer to being in our grasp.

The physical space elevator should not be a significant danger to non-passengers. Proposed locations are far away from civilization, so there is little chance of an aircraft colliding with it, or any other similar disaster.

Luckily, the material that is being considered for the tether is not particularly dangerous if it was to fall.

With a weight around shrink wrap, no amount of tether falling form the sky will hurt people, animals, or infrastructure.

However, the danger of carbon nanotubes is not fully known yet. Although it is most likely not chemically reactive and unlikely to significantly damage the environment, it is hypothesized that, like asbestos, it can be taken into the lungs and cause long-term damage if its turned into a friable state.

It is quite possible that there could be a break in the cable. However, this does not necessarily spell disaster for any payload currently on the tether. As discussed on the Liftport homepage, it all depends on where the break is:

"The short answer is that some payloads will fall (below the break and below 24,000 km altitude),