Innovation and Research for Space Elevators

Progress continues on suitable materials for constructing the tether of a space elevator. Graphene super laminate is the most promising, and manufacturers are already producing significant quantities of graphene. Work is also continuing on a multi-stage space elevator, supported dynamically using magnetic levitation; the advantage is that it can be built with weaker materials, or even with materials that are already available today. The far end of a space elevator offers exciting opportunities to launch interplanetary spacecraft frequently with little or no fuel and with gentle rides at low cost. The node at geosynchronous altitude can accommodate unlimited mass and offers many commercial and scientific opportunities such as astronomy, communications and space-based solar power. Keywords: Little Fuel, Gentle Rides, Available Materials, Interplanetary