Going Up

In the comments of the "moon" piece below, the concept of space elevators was mentioned. Today, Glenn Reynolds talks about that very concept. His point, one that I agree with, is that using proven unreliable Shuttle components is not the right way to return to the moon. Or for spending $100 billion.

...space elevator technology promises drastically reduced costs to orbit (from which, as Robert Heinlein famously observed, you're halfway to anywhere in the solar system in terms of energy) and it looks as if we could build a working space elevator -- or several -- within the $100 billion pricetag and over the same time frame.

It's estimated that the price tag for one elevator would be between $6 billion and $15 billion. Once completed, no more launches (i.e. no Challenger explosions). No more re-entries (no more Columbia heat shields).

One could be built in the next 15 years. Fascinating stuff.

I just know my kids will want to go see it.

And push the "up" button.