Space Elevator Options

[EMac]

While the idea certainly isn't new, the material basis for it is somewhat interesting. I like the graphic...makes it seem like a geosynchronous orbit is nearby versus over 3 times further than the diameter of the earth. I'd like to see the process they'll use to make 26k mile diamond cables.

Space elevator article

[EMac]

Those are very much pie in the sky ideas that will have to be proven with real technology. You can read about what they're able to accomplish now at small scale here (translated from the Japanese site, so it reads strangely): Japan Space Elevator Association

These guys seem committed to producing something, but like the other article, the technology doesn't currently support these design goals (i.e. they can only produce 3cm nanotubes at the moment): Obayashi article on CNET

It's interesting to me that in the CNET article they quote the guy at $200 per kilogram of payload, but in the Space.com article they can't give an overall price. I'm not sure how they can quote a price per kilogram without knowing how much it would cost to design, build, deploy and operate.