Two technologies pacing the development of the space elevator are an ultra-strong space tether and other space elevator components, and lightweight solar cells. The space elevators are quite far from reality but could be possible in the future after people stop laughing about it.
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In some ways the launch loop is even more ridiculous sounding than a space elevator...yet, unlike the space elevator, the launch loop is already possible to build with today's materials.
Sure the launch loop is made possible already, it's made of a long tube joined at the ends. It also reduces the costs of spaceflight. Still lot to do and make things possible.