ABC News Agency reported that the Japanese construction giant Obayashi is working on a space elevator a total length of 96,000 kilometers into space. Robotic cars for magnetic linear motors will deliver people and cargo to the orbiting space station. Such transportation will be cheaper than using modern missiles. In this way in one direction only takes a week.
The company says that to implement this idea would help her carbon nanomaterials.
Tensile strength [carbon nanotubes] almost 100 times higher than that of steel cable, so the idea is quite feasible. Modern technology allows us to make a nanotube length of 3 cm, but not enough to create a cable. We think that we will be able to resolve this issue in 2030 – said the head of research and development Obayashi Yoji Ishikawa.
Universities from all over Japan are working to solve this problem. Every year they hold contests for the exchange of experiences and knowledge. For example, a team of engineers from the University of Kanagawa develops robotic vehicles and lifts for the elevator.
Tension cable which connects the Earth and the space station will be different, depending on the height and gravity.
We are studying the mechanisms for lifting at different heights and develop optimum braking system – says Professor Tadashi Egami.
In 2012, scientists came to the conclusion that you need to build a space elevator together, the whole world.
I do not think that’s the strength of one company. To implement such a large-scale project needs international organization – said Ishikawa.
Experts believe that the space elevator will put an end to expensive and dangerous missiles fired from ground launchers. If the delivery of cargo to orbit the traditional way costs about 22 thousand dollars per kilogram, the space elevator will cost approximately equal to $ 200.
Moving small rockets using the lift will allow seriously save on fuel, which is necessary to overcome the attraction of the Earth. In addition, the space elevator will help solve the pressing energy problems by supplying the Earth cheap solar energy on a large scale. In the same manner it will be possible to straighten in space radioactive waste.
Elevator will also contribute to the development of space tourism. Cabs are working on Japanese scientists, will accommodate up to 30 people. So short-lived that day when flying to the moon would be akin to visiting Disneyland.
Read another very interesting article about alternative energy of the Sun, water and air.
