Part 4/8:
One of the primary challenges in constructing a space elevator is the sheer weight of materials required. While theoretically intriguing, using steel for the cable is impractical due to its density and weight. A steel cable designed to stretch 35,768 km would need an unattainable thickness at its base, rendering the entire concept unviable. To combat this, scientists have proposed materials like carbon nanotubes, which possess an extraordinary tensile strength-to-weight ratio. However, creating a sufficient length of such materials remains a significant hurdle.