Inflatable Space Tower

clipped from www.newscientist.com Inflatable tower could climb to the edge of space A GIANT inflatable tower could carry people to the edge of space without the need for a rocket, and could be completed much sooner than a cable-based space elevator, its proponents claim. clipped from www.newscientist.com clipped from www.yorku.ca Space Engineering at York University clipped from www.yorku.ca Materials and Structure Laboratory The laboratory provides the means to research materials and structural deformations at high spatial resolutions. The research focussed on methodologies to verify bending and vibration models and conducts leading edge research into space structures including beams, tethers, and trusses. The laboratory is investigating a fascinating new approach to elevator construction that uses an ethylene impregnated Kevlar loom to construct free standing elevator towers. A freestanding tower structure provides a convenient and safe way to ascend to space without the environmental side effects of rocketry. An artists impression of space elevator located in Saskatoon, Canada is shown