BLUF
A space elevator, utilizing a tether extending from a geostationary satellite to Earth, holds the potential to drastically reduce the expenses associated with launching payloads into orbit.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- Building a space elevator could cost $10 billion and take 15 years.
- Finding a lightweight yet strong material for the tether is the main challenge.
- Graphene and Kevlar are alternative materials that have been proposed.
- Carbon nanotubes were initially considered but synthesizing them at the required length is difficult.
- Alternative technologies like reusable rockets and environmentally friendly fuels are also being pursued.
