Rockets, as we know them, will soon become a thing of the past on this planet once the technology to create the "space elevator" comes to fruition. The stumbling block at this point is the ability to produce carbon nanotubes in a repeatable and predictable fashion. This aspect of nanotechnology is one of the exciting projects that my organization is researching.

 

This development would allow us to put items in geosynchronous orbit or reach a space station at EXTREMELY low cost. Since this act would minimize the amount of thrust required to achieve escape velocity, the amount of thrust and fuel required to move about in space would be negligible. In the same vein, having a permanent space port on the moon would give us greater reach into space. In addition, think of all of the technological advancements with carryover that would need to be made in order to make that a reality; more efficient rebreathers and scrubbers that could benefit submarine technology and scuba technology, new and interesting agricultural developments to create oxygen and food stuffs in an organically poor soil that could lead to enabling farming in even the harshest climates on earth, alternative energy sources that would alleviate our reliance on fossil fuels, and the list goes on and on.

 

By the way, check out this article on the "space elevator." It's really fascinating stuff!

http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/te...r_020327-1.html

Wow the space elevator sounds like the coolest thing of all time. The prospect for a much higher level of human activity is fascinating and unlimited. I don't understand people who think we shouldn't try to explore space. The benefits for humanity are infinite, NASA should really recieve a lot more funding. They've always been limited by budget.