This is pretty cool: Scientists are currently developing a space elevator, to possibly be used with the next 15 years. It is basically a super strong cable that is held up in space. I wondered how this would work, another article explains: “The competing forces of gravity at the lower end and outward centripetal acceleration at the farther end keep the cable under tension. This cable, once in position, can be scaled from Earth by mechanical means, right into Earth orbit.” Sweet. Near the end of the article they discuss the possibility of space tourism and “a small city up there”. I am putting my bets on Starbucks being this first thing there. Who doesn’t need a good cup a java, even in space?