Is science fiction becoming reality here? A Japanese company wants to build an elevator into space. Electromagnetic vehicles are supposed to help.
Taking the elevator to Mars – that sounds more like the plot of a science fiction film. But the Japanese Obayashi Corporation wants to make exactly that a reality.
Like the portal Research and knowledge writes, the developers are planning an elevator into space. This is supposed to reach Mars from Earth “in record time”. The project is expected to cost around $100 billion.
Will we soon be taking an elevator into space?
The Japanese company has been working on the technology behind the space elevator since 2014. The company wants to begin concrete planning for the expensive project next year. The elevator into space should be completed by 2050. as it says on the project page.
Once the elevator is completed, astronauts could be taken to Mars in record time. According to the company, the costs would also be significantly lower than for rockets or spaceships.
According to the calculations, the elevator would only be in space for a maximum of four months and would then reach Mars. With a conventional rocket, this takes around seven months.
Electromagnetic vehicles should run on solar power
The Obayashi Corporation wants to use electromagnetic vehicles for its project. These so-called “climbers” will then be powered either by solar energy or microwaves. Fuel would therefore not be necessary.
However, according to the company, a lot of research is still necessary to actually implement the project. The enormous material requirement alone could cause the project to fail.
Since a construction made of steel would not be possible due to the amount required, carbon nanotubes could be used, according to the researchers at Obayashi Corporation. However, these are not yet available in the required length.
External influences could also cause problems for the elevator. Because of its length it would be very susceptible to weather influences on Earth.
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The article With electromagnetic vehicles: Company plans elevator into space by Maria Gramsch appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.