Not Science Fiction: An Elevator to Space

Not Science Fiction: An Elevator to Space

If the NEw York Times print edition can report on this sci fi "idea", it won't be long before the Times print edition can report on polar cities, too. As a sci fi idea. But don't hold your breath! It might take 100 more years before the Times print edition agrees to such a scaremongeringish report. Probably never. Still, it's worth dreaming about. If they can report on space elevators, with pics, why not report on polar cities, with pics, too? Again, don't hold your breath!

As reported in the New York Times in 2003 by
KENNETH CHANG

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/23/science/space/23ELEV.html?ex=1218772800&en=81cffccf75dce3a1&ei=5070


With advances toward ultrastrong fibers, the concept of building an elevator 60,000 miles high to carry cargo into space is moving from the realm of science fiction to the fringes of reality.

This month, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was a sponsor of a conference to ponder the concept. Yet, the keynote address was by a titan of science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke, speaking via satellite from his home in Sri Lanka. "I'm happy that people are taking it more and more seriously," said Mr. Clarke, whose novel "The Fountains of Paradise" (1978) revolved around such a space elevator.

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