Alex Goldmark reports on the new NASA-inspired space elevator design that is primed for testing and could make it possible for billionaires to step foot on the moon sooner than later.
LiftPort President Michael Lain has his hands full with a very awe-inspiring task: designing the first-ever space elevator. Goldmark writes that NASA held a Space Elevator Games competition back in 2009, which has continued to inspire new groups, including LiftPort.
The purpose of this space elevator, claims Goldmark, is to expand current modes of space travel at a much reduced cost. In an interview, Lain describes the elevator as "a ladder that you can climb into space with using robots instead of rockets."
Lain is preparing to begin testing soon, and whether his experiments succeed could mean another major step forward for mankind into the great unknown.
FULL STORY: Interview: Space Elevators Inch Closer to Reality

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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