Sci-Fi Tech: Space Elevators

You might be taking an elevator to the stars soon enough. While human teleportation is nearly impossible, a tubelike space elevator is plausible. While some may say the materials needed to build such elevators is quite scarce. Big names in technology, such as Japan, are still pushing forward with the space elevator. If we put the fancy science talk aside and look at the idea itself. Building a space elevator can open a massive window of opportunity for various sectors, especially the telecom sector. 

Why Build a Space Elevator 

Building a space lift makes a lot of sense. The most apparent benefit is the significant energy and financial savings; compared to rockets, it is a much more practical method of reaching orbit. Accessibility is a further factor that is frequently disregarded. As trips to space become routine and largely unaffected by weather, “space mission” would be supplanted by “transit.” Human transits would be less dangerous than present procedures, which require astronauts to accept a risk to their lives with each launch. An interstellar connection is created by a space elevator. If you release a payload in the bottom, you will orbit the Earth; if you remove it in the upper part, you will orbit the Sun, without fuel. 

Since the elevator will use Earth’s rotational momentum to launch into space, it is also significantly more energy effective than rockets to enter space. The use of angles and the Earth’s gravitational pull to launch the space elevator into geostationary orbit is referred to as the rotational momentum of the elevator. This would enable the elevator to run on an endless energy supply, rendering rocket fuel unnecessary. In actuality, station upkeep and repair would be the only uses for conventional rocket fuel. Reduced energy consumption will also result in reduced space elevator operating expenses. This will enable nations to send supplies to space more regularly so that astronauts can access them. 

Some Things to Keep In Mind 

It is very pricey. A 60 billion dollar expenditure is needed to build the elevator. A technology whose technical viability has yet to be established. You could buy every Tesla in existence twice with $60,000,000,000, but let’s assume we have enough cash. Moreover, We can’t build it yet. The Burj Khalifa (828m) is our tallest tower. Even if we consider it 3 km tall, the elevator will still be 680 times more elevated than the tallest building on Earth. Will we construct it from space down to Earth or from the Earth up to space? 

Additionally, the burning question remains a drawback on its own. What if it malfunctions? It would be disastrous for people on Earth if such a colossal object fell. Many would die and be hurt, and the debris would remain in orbit and obstruct orbital flight paths. 

Telecommunication: 

Lowering the costs is one of the main benefits of space elevators in telecom.   

More materials could be sent into space. Allowing for frequent satellite upgrades. That would make it simpler for the average person to link to the rest of the world via more robust satellites. The elevator’s invention will also advance technology because the elevator’s design breaks many barriers that humans are presently unable to cross. With the aid of scientists and innovators alike. Creating capable materials and instruments for this elevator will push our technological capabilities to a level that might only have been achieved with the dreams of creating a space elevator. 

Moreover, this might come as a benefit for all sectors. And telecom is no different as the creation of more employment as a result of the space elevator’s construction would be a short-term benefit for people. It will take a lot of assistance from various businesses and international cooperation to construct the elevator’s components during the early stages of development and raising. Since these components won’t be sold elsewhere, a lot of effort will be required to gather enough raw materials to produce the required quantity of each component.  

Wrap Up 

“That sounds too good to be true.”  

“All of this is just an unrealistic fantasy with no basis in truth.”  

The same was true fifty years ago with AI, GPS, self-driving cars, the internet, and desktop computers. The future appears promising. If only we believe in it fully, humanity can take its next leap upwards with united efforts. The space elevator can bring so much good to humanity, and might be a sure way towards a more sustainable future. 

Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Intelligent Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.