2006-07-07 15:47:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No. I think we need better technology and materials, and at least 50 years.
2006-07-07 16:14:57 · answer #1 · answered by Lost. at. Sea. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I met with Micheal Laine, president of the Liftport Group, a few months ago and talked with him about the aerospace and space exploration industry in depth. There is a LOT of work to be done if the space elevator is going to be completed, and the major hurdle right now is actaully aquiring the funding needed to do serious research.
It boggles my mind that this project isn't getting more funding, as whoever has a stake in it when it is completed is going to be filthy rich, (I personally purchased about $1000 worth of shares, although the Liftport Group itself may not be the one benefitting the most economically when the elevator is complete).
Right now the main problem is synthesizing carbon-nano tube materials that are pure enough to meet the needed strengths. At the current stage of development, nano-tube materials of any considerable size have far too many imperfections to be useable.
With the right corporate and government interest, the elevator could begin construction in twenty years, without it, progress will be gruelingly slow.
2006-07-07 23:02:19 · answer #2 · answered by Argon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Possibly 20 years.
2006-07-07 22:51:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2006-07-07 23:07:52 · answer #4 · answered by wtc69789 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋