Will we see a space elevator in our lifetimes?

MSNBC reports today on one of the first successful tests of a prototype space elevator.

Long speculated by sci-fi writers, space elevators are viewed as an economical launching pad to outerspace. Think of the story of Jack and the Magic Beanstalk - the concept is so simple, it seems impossible: hang a tether all the way to the ground from a satellite in orbit, then have a device that can climb the tether, all the way to outer-space. Some scientist have further theorized that one could generate the power required to run them (plus a hefty surplus) from electro-static charges that would natually develop on a tether this long. Of course, there are some major hurdles to clear. This team appears to have developed a robot climber, and tested it attached to a high=altitude weather baloon.

"The space elevator would be anchored to an offshore sea platform near the equator in the Pacific Ocean. At the other end in space, the ribbon would be attached to a small counterweight. Mechanical “lifters” — robotic elevator cars — would move up and down the ribbon, carrying such items as satellites, solar power systems and eventually people into space."

Space elevator robot passes 1,000-foot mark - Space.com - MSNBC.com