Brian from Liftport got in touch about Saturday’s post. He mentioned a few problems lurking around the edges of a nuclear waste disposal via space elevator scheme, such as the simple cost & risk of transporting radioactive material to the elevator site. I agree that these concerns are significant, but from an environmental standpoint I can easily see the advantages spurring all sorts of research & funding into the process.
Once the elevator has had time to establish itself as proven technology (a minimum of payloads crashing back to the ground because of mechanical failure or human error) I can’t imagine a cleaner, safer, more efficient way of getting rid of hazardous waste than lobbing it into the sun. Can you?
There was a time when buildings needed to be taller, and stairs became impractical. It took a while but vertical people movers evolved into very safe, reliable technology. I suspect the same will happen to the magic climbing rope trick, and in far less time. I added a link to the dev blog in the sidebar.
I agree that these concerns are significant, but from an environmental standpoint I can easily see the advantages spurring all sorts of research & funding into the process.
I’m all for it myself – research and funding are processes that tend to spur more research and funding. It can only be good.
I’m not pessimistic on the idea truly – at the same time I’m glad I won’t be on the legal team fielding the lawsuits. Protest marches outside the bulding might tax my patience but that’s another matter.
I see you tricked out the Liftport button graphic to say ‘blog’ – that looks pretty keen. Mind if I borrow it back, push it to my site and tell everyone about it?
I mean, yes a few minutes work but it simply didn’t occur to me and if you’ve already done the hard work …. all credit to you of course.
brian
Help yourself to the button, Brian! I took the liberty of some redesign as well. Between you & me I’m going to play with the logo some more. I have a nasty habit of graphical tinkering.
You know, if Liftport went public I wouldn’t hesitate to invest. Not that I know anything about investing OR the company. But I do love the idea.
Tinker away. Let me know by email at brian dot dunbar at liftport dot com if you come up with something presentable or linkable.
Oh I tinkered, baby. I tinkered GOOD! (email on the way)