[KevinDavis]

First the X-Prize, Mars Prize, this is neat...

[KevinDavis]

[Larry Lucido]

[GSlob]

Given the amount of junk from space programs already orbiting, what kind of armor shielding would that elevator need to be able to operate for a long time?

[Noachian]

This idea has been around in sci-fi books for years, and it could actually work.

The question is: who would build, and who would use, something that would become an instant target for terrorists?

[RightWhale]

Many of the details surrounding the "Elevator:2010" challenge — including financing — still have to be fleshed out, however.

Primarily financing. The use of light to power a rocket has already been done.

[coconutt2000]

It should be a 1 billion dollar prize...

That would get a lot of attention from American ventures. And provide the capital for the developers to turn it into a real business.

[annyokie]

PFFFFFFFFFTT! I want my robot maid.

[sharktrager]

I am proposing a "Make John a Billionaire Contest".

Grand prize for the winning team will be $10 million. All subsequent successful entrants will be awarded $5 million.

[GreenHornet]

Electromagnetic propulsion development for high-speed ground transportation, launch assist, and high velocity launch rails will advance the technology needed to travel the 36,000 kilometer length of the space elevator as part of a fast, safe, and energy efficient system.

I don't know.......the thought of getting into the Space Elevator, then having to listen to Muzak during the entire 36,000 kilometer ride to the top doesn't appeal to me at all.

[kruelio]

My wife and I were just talking about investing in Liftport today. I inquired as to investment opportunities in their company a couple of years ago and earlier this month they put together an early initial offering, but it ends on 8/31/2004 so we have to decide quickly.

My feeling is one of 4 things will happen (in ascending order of preference):

1. They'll fail.
2. Their project will become acquired by the military or NASA.
3. They will have a hard time putting it all together, but their patents will pay off.
4. They will succeed and we'll be rich!

I think the Space Elevator has a much greater chance for success in the near future than the Time Travel Fund. :-)

Comments?

[ElkGroveDan]

[SunkenCiv]

There's $10 million that will never be awarded. I'll chip in $1 million to the winner. ;')

[Old Dirty Bastiat]

Here's a site with some interesting technical papers: www.tethers.com

There are some very interesting things that could be done with tethers: propulsion, deorbiting debris, throwing satellites into higher orbits or to the moon/Mars, and of course, space elevators.

[GeronL]

Do you realize how dangerous such a thing would be??

It would have to be near the equator, hopefully a sparsley populated area.... I guess we should name it the Clarke Elevator and build it on a small island south of Sri Lanka, where he resides.