If you thought you were going to have to wait until 2307 for Gundam 00 style space elevators, good news! You might only have to wait until 2050. That is, if a Tokyo-based company gets its way.
Obayashi Corp. hopes to construct an operational elevator, able to whisk passengers 36,000km above Earth.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun (via Alafista), the elevator would carry up to 30 people and travel at 200kph. This isn't some fly-by-night operation; the Obayashi Corp. has worked on the 634-meter tall Tokyo Sky Tree.
"At this moment, we cannot estimate the cost for the project," an Obayashi official told the Yomiuri Shimbun. "However, we'll try to make steady progress so that it won't end just up as simply a dream."
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the trip could take over seven days. It better have good elevator music.
Construction firm aims at space elevator in 2050 [Yomiuri via Alafista]
(Top photo: Photographer | Outlet)