A space elevator is a structure designed to transport people or cargo from a planet’s surface into space, using only electric power. The concept was first proposed by Russian scientist Yuri Artsutanov in 1960, although the idea has been conceived many times before that date. Space elevators have been the subject of numerous studies and designs, but have yet to be constructed.
The main advantage of a space elevator over traditional rocketry is that it would require less energy to send material into orbit. A space elevator could also be used to launch vehicles beyond Earth orbit, such as interplanetary spacecraft or probes to the outer solar system.
The biggest obstacle to constructing a space elevator is the development of materials strong enough and light enough to form the ribbon or cable necessary for its operation. Carbon nanotubes are one possible solution, as they are both strong and lightweight. However, no material currently available meets all the requirements necessary for a space elevator ribbon. In addition, the construction of a space elevator would require significant investment and international cooperation, as well as careful planning to avoid disrupting air traffic around Earth.
Despite these challenges, some experts believe that a space elevator could be operational within two decades. If successful, it would provide humanity with an unprecedented capability: affordable access to near-Earth space and beyond.