Japan-based Obayashi Corporation plans to start building a space elevator that could be completed in 2050. Once finished, it would transport tourists 22,000 miles above Earth at the push of a button.
It would consist of a large carbon nanotube that tethers Earth to a geostationary satellite beyond the planet’s atmosphere. This tube would measure nearly 60,000 miles long and transport objects using wheeled lifts called ‘climbers’. An Earth Port would be the gateway to space with two sections, one on land at the equator and one at sea, connected by an undersea tunnel. Climbers would ascend the carbon nanotube at a speed of roughly 93 miles per hour, reaching the height of the International Space Station in roughly 2.5-hours.
- Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
- Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
- Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...
Obayashi pursues the potential for the future of the space elevator from a construction standpoint, and describes a newly-designed, whole-space elevator system, including its construction process, which we designed on the basis of work by construction engineers who completed the world’s tallest free-standing tower, TOKYO SKYTREE,” said the company.
