‘22,000-mile cable to space’: Scientists say this ‘sky ladder’ may soon be real
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Representative pic
Sky Ladder
The space elevator idea dates back to 1895, when Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky imagined a giant ladder reaching from Earth to space.
Representative pic
Space Anchor
A satellite in geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above Earth, would hold the cable steady, always hovering over the same spot on the equator.
Representative pic
Infinite Cable
A cable would drop from space to Earth, held taut by gravity below and centrifugal force above, stretching across 22,200 miles!
Representative pic
Mountain Base
The cable would anchor to Earth—perhaps on a mountain, tower, or even a mobile ocean platform to dodge storms and space debris.
Representative pic
Climbing Cargo
Electric-powered climbers would ascend the cable, hauling supplies, satellites, or people to space—no rockets, no pollution, and far less energy.
Representative pic
Strength Challenge
The catch? The cable must be 50 times stronger than steel—a feat only possible with futuristic materials like carbon nanotubes or graphene.
Representative pic
No Collapse
Worried about it falling down? Experts say payloads up to 1% of the cable’s mass can climb safely without pulling the whole structure Earthward.
Representative pic
Rocket Alternative
A space elevator could replace rockets for routine space trips—cheaper, faster, and greener, revolutionizing access to orbit.
Representative pic
Coming Soon?
Though once a fantasy, recent breakthroughs hint that space elevators could become reality within a few decades—science fiction meets science fact.
Representative pic