Think Lunar Elevator!

Why not just use a Boot-strap Jack?

Magnetic field? Think GRAVITY !

How about combining the MOHO project with the Space Elevator. Twice the Buck for the Bang!

Pass the 'Crack.'

Reading the article, I see this query:-

"...In reading about this, I found myself wondering where the energy for this will come from. Conservation of energy requires that the lowest tether, once it transfers energy to the payload, and boosting it higher, will fall to a lower orbit. How will it be raised again? One way is suggested by 'TUI', which is looking at using special tethers (cables) that can "push" against the Earth's magnetic field to move back up into position....."

Space Fountain Technology might be useful, i.e. 'active mass' internal decelerating mass holds the cable/fountain on the 'up' and acceleration on the way 'down', a closed loop. The advent of nano technology may be just what is needed. Power from acceleration and deceleration in a twinned cable could swap places with low losses. Wikipedia has a feature on all this stuff. Bravo to all those Russians, this sort of project is worth pursuing just for the educational benefits alone. How could one possibly get bored?