From: vince@offshore.ai (Vincent Cate) Newsgroups: sci.space.tech Subject: Re: Does a space elevator have to be anchored at the equator? References: <72d1912e.0305312044.6cf41b58@posting.google.com> <9186edb5.0306012046.25960f22@posting.google.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.88.68.33 Message-ID: <9186edb5.0306062135.1c87c8ef@posting.google.com> Robert Munck wrote in message news:... > On 1 Jun 2003 21:46:25 -0700, vince@offshore.ai (Vincent Cate) wrote: > > >The biggest problem is that we do not yet have a cable with the > >strength to weight ratio needed for a Space Elevator. We need > >something 10 times better than what we have. > > I've heard that we now have carbon nanotube cable that's 1/4th > the strength needed (but of course there's a great distance > between a laboratory demo and practical usability). Even in the lab I have not heard of such a cable. I know people can make plenty of carbon nanotubes, and that these little things are very strong. But it has been very hard to make these into a cable. I have not heard of even a 1 meter long cable that can lift even 1 Kg, while weighing less than a similar Spectra 2000 cable. I know there are people who think it will happen soon, but I have not seen it yet. If you have seen this please track down where and post. It would be very exciting. -- Vince