Space-elevator tether climbs a mile high. One step closer to the space elevator. Why isn't NASA heading this effort?

UPDATE: Reader Brian Dunbar notes:

Why should they? There isn't anything magic about space that makes it the exclusive domain of NASA.

This might read more cranky than I intend. NASA has a viable role in space. But a space elevator is still a bit too far out there for them. Think of it this way - NASAs role is properly exploring outer space. A space elevator is just a means to get stuff to space where the real business of exploration and settlement can begin.



If you ask me, the two are directly related. NASA needs to get into space to properly explore it. Ground based observation is not what NASA does, it's what university astronomers do. (OK, NASA does that too but most of their mission is dedicated to launching things and people into space). The shuttle was nice but it is inherently dangerous and overly expensive. IMNHO, the space elevator is a very cost effective way to get back to the moon and certainly a cheaper means of launching sattelites.

Comments

Brian Dunbar said…
Why isn't NASA heading this effort?

Why should they? There isn't anything magic about space that makes it the exclusive domain of NASA.

This might read more cranky than I intend. NASA has a viable role in space. But a space elevator is still a bit too far out there for them. Think of it this way - NASAs role is properly exploring outer space. A space elevator is just a means to get stuff to space where the real business of exploration and settlement can begin.
11:25 PM
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