---
title: "A Patent Has Been Issued for an Inflatable Space Elevator"
description: "The idea is that astronauts would ascend to 20 km by electrical elevator. From the top of the tower space planes will launch in a single stage to orbit and return to refuel."
date: "2015-08-11"
modified: "2015-08-11"
authors:
  - name: "Alex Klokus"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/alex-klokus"
url: "https://futurism.com/a-patent-has-been-issued-for-an-inflatable-space-elevator"
categories:
  - "Space"
---

# A Patent Has Been Issued for an Inflatable Space Elevator

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/spaceeevator.jpg>)

- Thoth Technology devised a tower design using pressurized segments that reach up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) into the stratosphere where a platform could be constructed for purposes of communications, tourism or as a launch platform for reaching space.
- The most challenging aspect of the space elevator concept is creating a strong, reliable elevator cable 12 miles long. In fact, it's the focus of a [space elevator conference](<http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=46448>) taking place later this month.
- The idea is that astronauts would ascend to 20 km by electrical elevator. From the top of the tower space planes will launch in a single stage to orbit and return to refuel.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexklokus>)