The Space Elevator

Graphene was first isolated in 2004 and the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded in 2010 to the two researchers who performed the work at the University of Manchester, UK.

Since then, graphene has been steadily developing and a whole landscape of two-dimensional (2D) materials has been discovered. Graphene has been found to be the strongest, lightest material known. It is now being manufactured on an industrial scale.

This new material will transform many industries. In this talk Rob and Adrian, from the Graphene Engineering and Innovations Centre on Sackville Street, will explain what graphene is, its latest applications, and how it will enable the ultimate civil engineering project: The Space Elevator.

The talk is structured as follows:

• What is graphene and the other 2D materials

• How graphene is already finding more uses than you might realise

• How rockets work and their limitations

• What is a space elevator and how it overcomes these limitations

• The state of the art in tethered lift manufacturing

• Could a space elevator really be built?

Adrian and Rob delight in explaining commercial activity and complex science in plain language, so you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this talk. Bring your questions and they will answer as many as they can.

Adrian is a member of the board of directors of the International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC). He is also the founding editor of the Nixene Journal, a monthly publication that tracks the academic and commercial activity of graphene and 2D materials worldwide.

Rob is the CEO of Nixene Publishing, he contributed to the commercialisation module for PhD students at the Graphene NOWNANO Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and shared an international panel with Nobel Prizewinner Prof Sir Kostya Novoselov, “A series of varied perspectives on our 2D futures”.

They are based at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), on the University of Manchester campus in the UK.

Rob & Adrian regularly present the science in plain English to audiences ranging from the general public, to universities, NASA and the USA government.

Who Should Attend?

• Curious minds fascinated by how cutting-edge science advances from discovery to real-world application.
• Students and educators in physics, materials science, engineering, or technology seeking inspiration from real research success stories.
• Professionals in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, or energy sectors interested in how graphene and other 2D materials may disrupt their industries.
• Entrepreneurs and innovators exploring emerging technologies and future business opportunities enabled by advanced materials.
• Space enthusiasts intrigued by the concept of a space elevator and the future of human space access.
• Members of the general public who enjoy learning how novel materials can reshape society, economy, and imagination.

Questions to Reflect On

• How can a material just one atom thick profoundly influence engineering, transportation, and even space exploration?
• What are the main challenges in producing and applying graphene and other 2D materials at industrial scale?
• Could graphene-based technology enable humanity to rethink the limits of physics and infrastructure, even beyond Earth?
• What would a space elevator mean for the future of space travel, global logistics, and sustainability?
• How does fundamental research, like that done in Manchester, lead to commercial and societal transformation?
• What lessons can we learn from the collaboration between scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in bringing revolutionary ideas to life?

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is strongly advised.

Access

Access to the event is via the Altrincham Street entrance.

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk