Japan is set to begin tests on a space elevator connecting Earth and a space station by cable.
Scientists at Shizuoka University are conducting an experiment to develop a “space elevator.” A possible futurist vehicle for space travel and cargo shipments.
Above, the Obayashi Corporation is aiming to build a sea-based space elevator by 2050. Image credit Obayashi Corporation.
The test equipment will be launched next week by Japan’s space agency H-2B rocket, from southern island of Tanegashima.
The test project involves a miniature elevator just six centimeters long, three centimeters wide, and three centimeters high.
A university spokesman said:
“It’s going to be the world’s first experiment to test elevator movement in space.”
Artist’s conception of a NASA space elevator.
via sciencealert
It would be great if the Japanese are successful, but considering all the complications listed in the hyperlink it would be just as easy to develop a material or some force that could block gravity and allow rockets to escape earth effortlessly.