A space elevator would use a stable platform to launch a satellite into a geostationary orbit above it. The satellite would drop a cable to the ground, which would be used by specially designed vehicles to shuttle between earth and space. The elevator would bypass the inefficiencies of traditional space travel and reduce costs to as low as $50 per kg. It could be used to release satellites, for people to experience weightlessness, and for long-range space travel.
A space elevator is a revolutionary means of transportation from earth to space. Here’s how it would work. First, a stable platform similar to an oil rig would have been built at sea. Then a rocket would launch a special satellite into space which would place itself in a geostationary orbit above the platform. This means that the satellite would remain directly above the platform for the entire deployment. Then the satellite would start dropping a ribbon or cable to the ground. New technologies in nanotechnology are making it possible to develop a lightweight yet strong cable. Once the cable reached the platform, it would be attacked.
Specially designed vehicles would shuttle up and down the 100,000 km (62,000 miles) from earth to space. The journey would take about a week and the vehicle could be powered by a laser beam sent from the earth. There are some technological hurdles, but the experts working on the research are confident that the hurdles can be overcome.
The best way to realize the benefits of a space elevator is to consider the conventional method of reaching space. Launching rockets is expensive and inefficient for at least three main reasons: 1) rocket fuel is dangerous and expensive 2) rockets themselves are generally not reusable 3) if flying spacecraft are ever to return to earth, they must be equipped of thermal protections to resist the immense heat generated by re-entry.
A space elevator bypasses all the inefficiencies of traditional space travel: single-use rockets and expensive rocket fuel are not needed. Furthermore, re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere occurs at relatively low speeds, so no heat shields are needed. These benefits are expected to reduce the cost of going to space from the current $15,000 per kg ($6,800 per pound) to as low as $50 per kg ($23 per pound).
The lift could be used to release satellites into space. People could also go up to experience weightlessness. Spacecraft destined for more distant locations, could also ride the elevator and take off from the station above; this would dramatically reduce the cost for long-range space travel. Once the first lift was established, it could be used to deploy satellites needed for further lifts. Perhaps it’s this technology that could bring space travel into the mainstream.
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