[LINK] Japan sets out plans for space elevator

[David Boxall]

This may seem wacky, but the idea gets raised with increasing frequency 
so there must be something to it.  Implementation could have significant 
impacts on telecommunications, particularly in remote areas.

<http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2226676/japan-sets-plans-space-elevator>

> A consortium of scientists and industrial firms has formulated a plan 
> to build a 'space elevator' that would dramatically lower the cost of 
> getting into orbit.
>
> The Japan Space Elevator Association has published plans for the 
> structure, which it estimates could be put in place for as little as $9bn.
>
> The group believes that the project would revolutionise the cost of 
> satellite communications systems, and make orbital manufacture 
> economically feasible.
>
> "Just like travelling abroad, anyone will be able to ride the elevator 
> into space," Shuichi Ono, chairman of the Japan Space Elevator 
> Association, told /The Times/.
>
...
Considering the potential, $9bn is peanuts but I reckon a rocket launch 
is much more fun than pushing the button in an elevator.

-- 
David Boxall                    |  Drink no longer water,
                                |  but use a little wine
                                |  for thy stomach's sake ...
                                |            King James Bible
                                |              1 Timothy 5:23
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