Technology Exists to Build Space Elevator to the Moon, California Firm Explains
LiftPort Space Elevator Coming Soon?
It's the stuff of science fiction movies, but a California firm believes a space elevator to transport people to the moon "could be built today."
The LiftPort system would employ a "ribbon" cable to transport visitors to the lunar surface.
The ex-NASA engineer who created the company LiftPort Group, is interested in making this technology a reality, launching a Kickstarter campaign online to fund the project.
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The first phase of the project includes testing the system on Earth, which would create a floating balloon platform tethered to the ground for a robot to ascend 1.2 miles into the sky.
Michael Laine, president of the LiftPort Group, explained, "About six months ago we had a fundamental breakthrough -- a breakthrough we think will transform human civilization -- and we want you to be a part of it."
Laine added, "I was personally involved with NASA's 2001-2003 definitive research study. My company, LiftPort, grew out of the results of that study."
He also shared, "The breakthrough will allow the LiftPort Group to build a space elevator on the moon using existing technology and a single-launch rocket solution that has ‘Sputnik-like simplicity.'"
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How long will it take to see something like this? Laine believes that within eight years, a space elevator will be a reality.
Beyond the money needed for the initial testing, Laine hopes to raise $3 million, which would allow LiftPort Group to conduct a one-year feasibility study.
