A space elevator.
It’s a game-changing approach to space travel, to be able to transport people and cargo into space along a giant tether or column extending miles above the Earth’s surface, eliminating the need for expensive rockets.
For decades it’s been an idea based more on science fiction than fact. But a unique new proposal is making headlines around the world and leading many to wonder if the space elevator is one step closer to reality.
Thoth Technology Inc. was recently granted a U.S. patent for its unique design for a 20 kilometre-high launch platform.
And where did this bold idea come from? Working alongside NASA? The European Space Agency? The China National Space Administration?
Would you believe it came from deep in the remote forests of Eastern Ontario?
Brendan Quine is the Chief Technical Officer of Thoth. His wife, Caroline Roberts, is the President and CEO. With a handful of helpers, they have taken over the operations of the Algonquin Radio Observatory – Canada’s largest fully-steerable parabolic reflector, and one of the largest in the world. It can track everything from low orbit satellites to distant stars.
The 46 metre-wide dish sits deep in the heart of Algonquin Park in a federally-mandated “radio quiet” zone. The company’s mailing address is in Pembroke, over 70 kilometres away.
The couple and their two young children spend a good part of their year there. Quine is also Associate Professor of Space Engineering and Planetary Physics at York University in Toronto.
In fact, Quine credits the quiet solitude of the park for helping him come up with the idea for a space elevator. “It's certainly conducive to having great ideas, to see all this natural beauty around you,” says Quine.” I also think that maybe working with these giant, one and a half thousand ton telescopes also makes you think big about projects.”
With a fresh patent in hand, what the couple needs now is partners and investors.
If you’re interested, you know where to find them.
