As the technology required to create a physical link between Earth and outer space becomes closer to a reality, discussions of next-generation space exploration have been given new life.
Japan announced recently that it was researching plans to build a space elevator – a link to space that could transport cargo and even tourists!
Modern plans for a space elevator rely on a cable being stretched between a satellite and a platform on Earth along which vehicles could travel.
Of course the super-strong cable or ‘ribbon’ that will hold everything together still needs to be invented. But scientists say they need less five years to do that!
