a thoughtful web.
Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking.   Login or Take a Tour!
comment
mk  ·  3917 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: International Academy of Aeronautics Study Suggests a Space Elevator Could Be Built By 2035

    This report lays out a number of technological impediments to a space elevator, but by far the most important is the tether itself; materials science has still to invent a substance that could provide the strength, flexibility, and density needed for a space elevator.

IMHO, this and the difficulties in obtaining a counterweight makes 2035 seem optimistic even if the enormous political and economic hurdles can be overcome.