[net.space] Elevators??

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