With talks about creating a space elevator and the benefits it could bring, I’m stuck thinking about all the catastrophic possibilities, like floating in a never-ending abyss of space.
by Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor, PD&D
At the latest NASA Centennial Challenge, a Seattle team was awarded $900,000 for their concept robotic machine (LaserMotive) in a competition driven to develop an idea of a space elevator.
Space elevators are envisioned to provide easy access to space without spending the mullah to get there. How you may ask? Carbon nanotubes, which would be used to create a 22,000 mile cable connecting Earth to space. Scientists and engineers swear these tiny molecules are tougher than nails, and a great component for the giant elevator.
Maybe it’s my slight problem with claustrophobia, my extreme fear of heights or my stubbornness to keep things under my control; but I’m a little skeptical. While the idea reaps many benefits (and just looks super cool), especially for science fiction obsessed fans that have the light sabers ready at hand, I’m stuck thinking about all the catastrophic possibilities that could occur if some of the Carbon nanotubes decided to take a break from being extremely robust molecules.
Here’s my thought process:
- The cable breaks and the tiny capsule holding the passengers, drifts uncontrollably into a never-ending abyss of space.
- One of the wheels that attach the capsule to the cable decides to malfunction, and instantly, the passengers are experiencing an ultimate Giant Drop ride seen at the various Six Flags amusement parks in the U.S.
- There have been instances of elevators getting stuck – use your imagination, you should know where I’m going with that; and it would take more than your volunteer firefighters with a crowbar to set you free.
- Massive explosion.
- Oh, and did you catch in the beginning that the cable will be 22,000 miles? That means the capsule will be so many thousands of miles off of the Earth’s surface. Does that not intimidate anybody else?
Yes, I fly; Yes. I love riding on roller coasters, so I know I am coming across as a huge hypocrite, but did I mention 22,000 miles…in space?
It’s great that Arthur C Clarke’s Fountains of Paradise (a book that popularized the original idea) created inspiration for scientists and engineers to discover a working concept to get everyone that much closer to space, and opened doors for other futuristic technology that could bring everyone closer to the flying cars, transports and laser shooting weapons; however, let me be the first to say, I won’t mind if I’m picked last for the experience.
Call me a coward, a closed-minded disbeliever of futuristic advancements; but I need solid evidence that such technology is safe and doesn’t involve me exploding, falling uncontrollably, or getting sucked into a black hole.
While I’m keeping my feet on the ground, I’m curious to know your thoughts. Post them below or send them to meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com.