Developers Say Lunar Elevator Could be Built Within a Decade

The idea of a space elevator has been around since the late 1800's, but despite big dreams and years of research, the low-cost, easy access to orbit that a space elevator promises is likely still decades away. The biggest problem rests on the fact that no one has been able to successfully manufacture long ribbons made of ultra-light, ultra-strong carbon nanotubes, the only known material that is strong enough for a space elevator. But entrepreneur Michael Laine believes a lunar elevator – a space elevator from the surface of the Moon – could be created with materials that are available now. With more research and the right amount of capital, Laine says a lunar elevator could be built within a decade.

While Laine said he is still "emotionally very invested" in the concept of a space elevator based on Earth, for now he has shifted his focus to the lunar elevator. "There was a question of where was I going to put my time," he told Universe Today, "and being able to do this soon – perhaps within 5-7 years and not some mythic 15-25 years in the future is enticing."

Since the Moon's gravity is only one sixth that of Earth, it drastically reduces the requirements of the ribbon. A material that is available now, a synthetic polymer material called Zylon (poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) which has high strength and excellent thermal stability, could be used.

http://www.universetoday.com/2010/07/19/developers-say-lunar-elevator-could-be-built-within-a-decade/