Physicist Michio Kaku Explains the Concept of a Space Elevator

Posted on July 31, 2011

Physicist Michio Kaku talked to The Daily aobut the concept of a space elevator. Kaku says the most expensive part of space travel is the first 100 miles. Escaping Earth's gravity requires a lot of power. Kaku says the idea of a space elevator used to be ridiculous, but it is getting more serious thought thanks to a new technology. Kaku says carbon nanotubes made with graphene could help reduce the cost of a space elevator. Graphene is also strong enough to suspend a space elevator without breaking. Unfortunately, producing carbon nanotubes with graphene in large amounts is not yet possible. Kaku thinks the space elevator could "open up the Universe for the average person." Take a look:

SPACE
PHYSICS