In November Japan will be hosting a conference to discuss developments on “space elevator” concepts. According to CNN, the concept is achievable and the elevator may be a created within the century.
The concept was developed following the physical theory of inertia--matter retains its velocity along a straight line so long as it is not acted upon by an external force. Therefore because of the elevators counterweight and the rotation of the earth, the elevator cable will stay taught (much like if you were attach a ball to the end of a string and swing it in a circle motion).
So far, some of the suggested uses for the elevator include:
- Transporting payloads to space stations.
- Transporting people into space.
- Disposing of nuclear waste.
- Placing solar panels in space to power homes on Earth.
Japanese and European engineering organizations have been working together with a U.S. organization called The Spaceward Foundation on the elevator design. They have been developing smaller 1 km high elevators since 2004.
According to these organizations, once the elevator cable built, electric cars can travel on it using designs similar those found on ski lifts and trains.
The fact that this project could become a reality says a lot about how far science has come. With so many promising uses, the elevator could be a revolutionary mechanism. Proposals for its uses in waste disposal and harnessing solar energy could further develop transformation into a ‘green’ environment.
WORKS CITED
Elevator developers website: **This website does not seem to be working anymore... It may be under construction**
News article: CNN.COM
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