Space elevator may be a reality in the near future

Some 30 years ago when Arthur C. Clarke mentioned the space elevator in his book Fountains of Paradise most of the people thought of it as science fantasy. Well, yes it was a fiction then but with so much new in the space technology and other related fields, the space elevator after all would be a thing that you can see in the coming future. This idea could open a land of possibilities including easier and cheaper transport of goods as well as people to space.

A number of researches are going on regarding the theory of space elevators. As with everything new a few hurdles need to be crossed is the view that David Smitherman who is space architect shares with the world. NASA is working hard in this regard including organizing competition for a team of engineers at Mojave Desert. Prizes are kept for anyone who can get near to building a prototype of an elevator capable of climbing a km high tether which is also hauling a weighty payload. In support of the space elevator, scientists’ believes that the inertia would play an important role in keeping the cable tight and allowing the elevator to climb on it. Though the basic idea may have evolved from a science fiction but so has been the case with the space restaurants and 24 hour spinning wind turbines. These may become a reality in few years so why not the space elevator.

Teams in countries like Russia and Japan are toiling hard to turn this idea onto reality, though they know it a long journey.

But there are few obstacles to be overcome first before the space elevators become a part of space expedition. Scientist has still to look for some viable material from which the cables can be constructed. The cables need to be strong to carry cargo or passengers into orbit. The cable according to the NASA scientists needs to be 22000 miles in length. A super light material has to be devised for this purpose. Other issues are the cost which is estimated to be $20 billion and the need to keep the cable safe from the space debris.

The very first efforts in this respect are made from a team at York University in Canada. They are planning to build a 20km long tower which will be able to escape the earth’s atmosphere and provide for tourists a view of blackness of the space.

If all the theories go well then the space elevator may take few years to come into existence but if it does it would be unique way for all to witness the wonders of space.