crm@duke.UUCP (09/26/83)
There are lots of nift ways to avoid lots of launches, but elevators are a pretty good one. Check out Charles Sheffields 'Beanstalk' stuff or Clarke's 'Fountains of Paradise' ... the math works out, all we need is a little technological innovation...
wls@astrovax.UUCP (09/28/83)
Unfortunately the elevators described in Arthur C. Clarke's book (I have not read the other one) require the invention of a mythical super-strong material strong enough to withstand the enormous tensions involved. Unless such a material is invented, these elevators are just dreams. William L. Sebok, Princeton Dept. of Astrophysics {allegra,cbosgd,decvax,ihnp4,kpno}!astrovax!wls
berry@zehntel.UUCP (10/05/83)
#R:duke:-358200:zinfandel:11100005:000:342 zinfandel!berry Sep 30 14:28:00 1983 While the elevetors or 'beanstalks' described by Clarke, Sheffield et. al. DO require advances in materials, what is required isn't all that much stronger than what we've got. Carbon fibers in epoxy matrix is ALMOST strong enough, if I recall correctly... Berry Kercheval Zehntel Inc. (decvax!sytek!zehntel!zinfandel!berry) (415)932-6900