Space Elevator Games

NASA launches next generation ..

The team's robotic machine raced up more than 2,950 feet of cable dangling from a helicopter. Text and images: AP

Image: This handout photo from NASA shows Dan Leafbflad, left, and other members of the KC Space Pirates preparing their robotic climber entry in the $2 million Space Elevator Games at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.