now they're doing a "space elevator" competition

nasa has taken a lesson from darpa and the x-prize foundation. this weekend they're sponsoring the space elevator competition, offering $50,000 to the group who's robot climbs a 50 meter tether fastest. there's a second competition for the group that can come up with the strongest tether, with a goal of increasing its strength by 50% in each year's contest. say hello to the freaky future.
[via cnet]