space elevator

With a space elevator, materials might be sent into orbit at a fraction of the current cost. As of 2000, conventional rocket designs cost about $11,000 per pound ($25,000 per kilogram) for transfer to geostationary orbit.[62] Current proposals envision payload prices starting as low as 100$ per pound ($220 per kilogram)[63], similar to the $5-$300/kg. estimates of the Launch loop, although nowhere near the $310/ton to 500km orbit quoted[64] to Dr. Jerry Pournelle for an orbital airship system.

Philip Ragan, co-author of the book "Leaving the Planet by Space Elevator", states that "The first country to deploy a space elevator will have a 95 per cent cost advantage and could potentially control all space activities."