The idea of a space elevator (ELEVATOR WORLD, January 2001) is gaining momentum as the concept of space tourism becomes more feasible. In fact, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released a set of standards for space tourists on January 31, 2002 (see http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/iss_guests_02013 1 .html for details). The remarkable story of Dennis Tito, the first International Space Station tourist courtesy of the Russians has captured the imagination of many. The question is how to make space travel affordable enough for the average person. The answer still seems to lie in the space elevator concept, although NASA is now looking into nuclear fuel alternatives. According to a paper written by Mark Wilson, who holds a master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, not only is the space elevator a reasonable and cost-effective choice, but an accompanying space hotel is just as feasible and cost effective. Wilson submits his concepts based on existing materials. In his system, the hotel would orbit 775 miles above the earth with a suspended dock 160 miles above the earth (Figure 1), all accessible by a hanging tether possibly made of polyester fiber, such as Spectra-2000, a carbon fiber, such as Thornel T-40, or a combination of the two.
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