The Space Elevator and Our Future

July 20, 2007
Bryan Laubscher | Los Alamos National Laboratory

The Space Elevator is a radical technology for accessing space. The concept was first published in 1960 and was subsequently popularized in science fiction stories. After the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991 and subsequent measurements of their strength, the Space Elevator concept moved from the realm of science fiction to science possibility. Now there are small groups of researchers and enthusiasts working to develop the concept and further the development of the Space Elevator.

What is the economic motivation for building the Space Elevator? What is the promise of it, and what are the technological challenges? We can imagine many uses for it, from space based solar power low cost satellites, manned explorations and possible lunar and Martian settlements.

Speaker Details

Bryan Laubscher is an astrophysicist and project leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Over the last 20 years he has carried out research and development in astrophysics, electromagnetic detection physics, space instrumentation, spacecraft, non-linear optics, laser technology, lidar and spectrometer development. In 2006 Dr. Laubscher spent a year on entrepreneurial leave in Seattle starting a company to build high-strength materials based upon carbon nanotubes.