@LegalSatire The biggest problem isn't the cost of nanotubes (which are expected to cost well below $1 million per kilometre), it's that *nobody* knows how to turn nanotubes into a cable that is light/strong enough to reach space.Sure nanotubes can do it in *theory*. But nobody knows when/if the theory can be translated into practice.
I want to see them try and build to go through the earth's atmosphere to space ! I don't say it's possible til we can create and build nearly indestrucable designs and alloys, then it might be possible. But also the speed the structure would be swinging and swinging 120-150 miles up, hmm ! wouldn't it burn up as you breach space, I think it would also possible throw of thearth axial rotation. Not a good idea! Imagine that thing breaking and reigning terror on a 150 mile scale! Sheer hell!!! I'll use some info and add my share to expand the idea! Built an electro-magnetical runway into a mountain and launch ships electromagnetically.
I know that the weight of the cable is a significant problem, the cable has to be strong enough to support all the cable below it. But what if there were weather balloons tethered to this cable intermittently (or some type of device lighter than air), this should take off a great deal of the weight. Right?
nanostuffJan 14, 2007
"Wee, look at us, we're going to the moon... again."THIS is what they should be spending money on.
thegilmanatorJan 14, 2007
Why would you need maglev in space? Isn't there a distinct lack of gravity to have to overcome?
wolfkeeperJan 15, 2007
@LegalSatire The biggest problem isn't the cost of nanotubes (which are expected to cost well below $1 million per kilometre), it's that *nobody* knows how to turn nanotubes into a cable that is light/strong enough to reach space.Sure nanotubes can do it in *theory*. But nobody knows when/if the theory can be translated into practice.
fixedcomaJan 15, 2007
I want to see them try and build to go through the earth's atmosphere to space ! I don't say it's possible til we can create and build nearly indestrucable designs and alloys, then it might be possible. But also the speed the structure would be swinging and swinging 120-150 miles up, hmm ! wouldn't it burn up as you breach space, I think it would also possible throw of thearth axial rotation. Not a good idea! Imagine that thing breaking and reigning terror on a 150 mile scale! Sheer hell!!! I'll use some info and add my share to expand the idea! Built an electro-magnetical runway into a mountain and launch ships electromagnetically.
dysl3xicdogJan 15, 2007
It's too bad his investors didn't like the idea of him giving away free power and shut him down. He died a poor hungry man.
sdub1Jan 15, 2007
That's only if the tether we broken at the base point on earth. If it was broken at any point the lower section would fall to Earth.
rsavageJan 16, 2007
I know that the weight of the cable is a significant problem, the cable has to be strong enough to support all the cable below it. But what if there were weather balloons tethered to this cable intermittently (or some type of device lighter than air), this should take off a great deal of the weight. Right?