Space Lift

Japan has decided to start making the first steps into  developing an actual space elevator.  The company, Obayashi Corporation, launched equipment for the experiment on September 22, heading for the ISS.  Although it’s technically not an actual elevator in space, the STARS-Me consists of to small satellites connected by a very thin tether.  There is also a robot designed to move the length of the cable, simulating the elevator.  For those who’ve done there research, yes, there has been three previous launches, but this is the first time the experimental movement has been tested in space.   This could lead to an entirely new and stable industry, but also cheaper and safer than launching into space.  The goal is to have a functional elevator by 2050, hoisting the future generations further into the space generation.