The Space Elevator

Posted on: October 25th, 2025 by Alan Wareham

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

Tour of Jodrell Bank

Posted on: April 20th, 2023 by mlpEditor

Join us for a visit to outer space!

We have arranged for a group of 21 Lit & Phil members to have special rates for admission to the site, including admission to their Dome Show in the new First Light Pavilion – which opened in June 2022.

Jodrell Bank remains at the cutting edge of astrophysics and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019, for its pioneering work in helping to understand the Universe and our place within it.

How did this cutting-edge technology come to be located in a field in Cheshire?

Sir Bernard Lovell came to the University of Manchester in 1945 to study cosmic rays. He needed to perform his radar experiments well away from his Manchester laboratory, where there was no interference from the city’s electric trams. Some land in Cheshire, close to a nearby rise in the ground, called Jodrell Bank, was being used by the University botany department and Sir Bernard set up his equipment there. This was the start of radio astronomy at what is now known at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Collaboration with an engineer from Sheffield eventually resulted in the construction of a giant radio telescope, known these days as the Lovell Telescope. It played a key role in the space race of the 50s and 60s and was the only telescope in the world capable of locating and tracking the carrier rocket which launched ‘Sputnik’ in 1957.

Bernard Lovell (1913-2012) remained an honorary member of the Lit & Phil for many years and was presented with our Dalton Medal in 2009.

This should be a really enjoyable visit, and places are limited, so book soon to avoid missing out.

 

Event itinerary:

Please make your own way to the site. Travel advice can be found on Jodrell Bank’s website.

11.00 am – Meet at the site entrance. We will then explore the Exhibition pathway, towards the First Light Pavilion. Here, you can view the ‘Story of Jodrell Bank’ exhibit, detailing Sir Bernard’s involvement.

12.00 pm – Watch the Space Dome Show

12.45 pm onwards – Visit the rest of the site, which contains 4 Pavilions, several outdoor exhibitions and an arboretum.

 

Good to know: Lunch can be purchased in the café in the First Light Pavilion (NB this is not included in the ticket price).

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