Since the space race of the 1960s, the world has attempted and failed many times to send cargo such as satellites, supplies, and sadly even persons into space. While rocket science has vastly improved over the decades, failure rate is still alarmingly high. Because the utility and exploration of space is so important, rockets are still a precious commodity, as they are the only technology available to send cargo into space. These incredible machines, while fast and effective are expensive and inefficient. Therefore, for my research paper, I would like to argue in favor of the benefits of the continued research, funding, and construction of a space elevator. 

A space elevator operates on the premise that a strong ribbon or line can be kept straight by an Earth anchor and in-orbit counterbalance. Motors could then power a lift along the line into outer atmosphere and into space. While rockets launch cargo at a rate of thousands of dollars per pound, an elevator would launch cargo at a rate of hundreds of dollars per pound. There are many other benefits to this creation, many of which are additions to our knowledge of what lies beyond Earth. Future generations would benefit from vast amounts of new technologies and innovations from an elevator built now.  The amount of scientific researchers and engineers on the Earth today is greater than any other time in human history making this project a very possible endeavor.  My personal research on the subject has been extensive and I would like to use my research paper as a method of arguing in favor of the drastic benefits of a successful space elevator.

 I am interested in this research question because of my general interest of space exploration and engineering. Seeing the physics that I learn in class being applied to a real world application is an exciting and interesting concept. In my opinion, the successful construction of this mechanism would create a boost in productivity in space exploration and utility. In a way, this research question does affect me and my values. I believe that as an intelligent species it is important to secure the world for future generations. This technology could greatly accelerate innovations which could help fight problems such as global pollution, poverty, and energy, food, and water deficiencies. Catastrophes such as the failure of the space shuttle Challenger, shortly after its launch, and the reentry failure of the space shuttle Columbia, are the most notable of many rocket failures. If it is possible to claim any personal experience to this research question, most people, especially Americans, would use these experiences to do so. I would say that after personally experiencing hundreds of rocket failures and explosions within my short life span that an alternative to the rocket should be an important and relevant discussion. After following this subject in past years, it has been interesting to view the different debates concerning the elevator's plans and construction. It is equally interesting to read about debates concerning its mere existence. Considering my previous research and reading on the subject, and my interest in the field in which it resides, I believe that I am qualified to write an appropriate and unbiased paper about this technology.

Yu Sadov and A.B. Nuralieva are credible writers and professors at the Institute of Applied Mathematics at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Their article, "Loaded Sectioned Space Elevator," discusses the history, conceptual considerations, mathematics, and advantage of a space elevator. Their article concludes by explaining that a space elevator could greatly increase mankind's abilities and activities beyond the limits of Earth. Ron Cowen's "Ribbon to the Stars," leaves out the math and physics equations, while providing the reader with an understandable, yet intriguing scientific journal. In separate sections he also discusses the three main points of the space elevator. The strength abilities of carbon nanotubes, a counterbalance station in orbit, and an anchor on Earth are these main points. His article operates on the premise that this technology isn't a page in a science fiction novel anymore, and that it could soon be a reality. The final article is a gathering of letters in response to "Ron Cowen's Ribbon to the Stars" about problems with a space elevator. In the article, Ron Cowen answers letters from Robert Beeman, Dan Pankratz, and Jeffrey Wilson by providing solutions to the responding problems.

The controversy of this project is large. The research question is arguable because there are so many different scientific researchers and thinkers that have different opinions and arguments about space elevators. Many argue that an elevator would cause problems with space traffic and that any system failure would be costly. There are also concerns about the current technological abilities of modern carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotube, which was first discovered to be possible in 1991 (Cowen 218), is the material which scientists and physicists generally agree would be the best material to use for the line of the elevator. Today's carbon nanotubes are still a couple of years of research  away from being manufactured at the strength rating required to hold the counterbalance due to Earth's relatively heavy and thick atmosphere. These negative perspectives on the possibility of the elevator have led me to believe that the funding and proper research for this project could possibly still be as much as a decade from now. While I believe that my research question should remain the same, I believe that some of my overall research should look into how a project like this should and would be funded. 

