GOING UP?

Mention "space elevator" to many folks and you get a snicker and a strange look.  Some might comment that it is just science fiction or that it is so new it is only imaginary.  Well let me tell you.  The earliest concept of a space elevator was proposed in 1895 by the Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, inspired by the Eiffel Tower he envisioned a Space Castle that served as the upper destination of the elevator.  You can read more about Tsiolkovsky and his idea by clicking on the link above.  The link will also give you a sound overview of both the history and current research involving the space elevator concept.   Most importantly, it is no longer science fiction.  It is solid theory that is working to match ideas and new technology to enable and operate this unique, less expensive and highly promising access to space.  Here are some links to current space elevator research and development groups:

The Space Elevator Blog

Space Elevator Reference

The Spaceward Foundation

The Space Elevator Games

NASA supports this research activity, as you will read, and it is expected that this support is going to bear very productive fruit.  Really Spacey Ideas will be tracking this research and will provide updates in our blog on a regular basis.  Some of the topics we will also explore are (1) human risk factors, (2) environmental safety, (3) business potential, (4) spaceport development and operations, and (5) topics that come from your comments. So stay tuned and visit here regularly.  You can also exchange ideas with me on Twitter. I am logged on there as XiNeutrino.

Oh, and  reports indicate that there will be NO elevator music on space elevators:  Here is a neat video to get you inspired and tuned into the space elevator concept.  GOING UP!