Slurp56 0 #1 October 30, 2004 I was reading an article in newsweek as I got my haircut yesterday about Space elevators. The plan is to use carbon nanotube technology to build a paper-light 3-foot wide ribbon that will be tethered to earth on one end and anchored to a satellite in orbit. The elevator would then climb the ribbon with cargo to reduce the cost of transport significantly. Think they will let us jump from it? Lift Port is a Seattle based company working hard to accomplish this. Very cool topic. http://www.liftport.com Big Picture: http://www.liftport.com/images/platliftcounter.jpg Clouds: http://www.liftport.com/images/Lifter%20In%20Clouds_c.jpg JUMP! http://www.liftport.com/images/Lifter%20Ascent_c.jpg Hottest honeymoon location: http://www.liftport.com/images/spacestation.jpg________________________________________ I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dixieskydiver 0 #2 October 31, 2004 This is in my field of study, polymer chemistry, and we discussed this the other day with our professor. Carbon nanotubes are fantastic little things, the only problem is that noone has been able to make them for than about an inch long, although they have strung portions together but with significant strength loss. The next Xprize has a portion dealing with building a space elevator. All very cool stuff, as soon as we figure out how to make that much carbon nanotubing. Dixie HISPA #56 Facil Rodriguez "Scientific research has shown that 60% of the time, it works every time." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BGill 0 #3 October 31, 2004 I'm unfamiliar with carbon nanotubes. Wanna offer a little insight as to what makes them so strong and leightweight and all that jazz? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlindBrick 0 #4 October 31, 2004 Quotethe only problem is that noone has been able to make them for than about an inch long Well that and the fact that they are outrageously expensive to produce. -Blind"If you end up in an alligator's jaws, naked, you probably did something to deserve it." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
