Another Step Toward Space Elevators

Los Alamos National Laboratory Signs CRADA and License Agreement with Carbon Designs, Inc.

“Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carbon Designs, Inc. (CDI), today signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to collaborate on the development of ultra-strong fibers made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CDI will initially invest $2 million in this joint effort to develop fibers expected to be many times stronger than any current engineering materials. The long-range plan is for CDI, with LANL’s assistance, to develop a supply of and production method for ultra-strong CNT fibers. According to Dr. Zhu, “The ultra-strong CNT fibers will significantly impact NASA’s new mission in space exploration.”

Topic Background: The Space Elevator Reference