"Magical solar power plants in space and ridiculously cheap space elevators."

This debate is concerning the viability of Orbital Elevators, their construction and usage, and the potential of using an orbital elevator to harness non-attenuated solar radiation striking Earth's atmosphere for the United States' energy needs. I will be taking the 'Pro/For' side of this debate while my opponent BlueSteel will be taking the 'Com/Against' side of the debate. The debate will cover five rounds, the first round going over each of our positions on the subject. Rounds two through four will go over arguments and counter-argument over our opponents points, and the fifth and final round will be strictly the conclusion of our positions, summarizing our arguments. An orbital or space elevator is a proposed structure intended to transport material from the surface of a celestial body, particularly Earth, into space. Many variants have been proposed, all of which involve moving the material along a fixed structure instead of using rocket powered spacelaunch. The concept most often refers to a structure that reaches from the surface of the Earth to geostationary orbit (GSO) and a counter-mass beyond. The use of an orbital elevator would greatly reduce the cost and energy needed to send material and personnel into orbit and beyond. It would provide an easy gateway for humanity to leave the Earth behind and begin settling into habitats off of Earth, expanding and propagating across a wider environment. This would likewise open up a seemingly infinite source of resources for both Earth's population and settlements outside of Earth. The United States continues for the moment as a leader in technology and strategic dominance, both economically and militarily. However in terms of strategic value, being able to efficiently reach beyond Earth's atmosphere provides the ultimate high ground, and unless the United States is able to reach this pinnacle first or at least at the same time as her rivals, she is going to find herself at a significant disadvantage. No single private entity has the ability to gather the necessary materials, capital, and personnel need for what amounts to as a civilization-level project. As such it should be the prerogative of the United States as a whole to bring this project into fruition. The most abundant source of energy available to humanity is that created by our local system star, Sol. While used on Earth, solar energy we normally experience is heavily attenuated resulting in only one-thousandth of it actually reaching Earth's surface. Solar panel systems located in orbit above the atmosphere do not experience this attenuation however, allowing more abundant and easier capture. However the cost of transporting solar panel systems into orbit either as a finished product or piecemeal is expensive. Luckily with the use of an orbital elevator this problem is solved. http://polyvinylcrush.com... *Artist rendition of Earth with orbital elevator supporting solar collection system around equator.* The project described would involve a three surface station system, spaced evenly apart on Earth's equator. Each tether would be connected to its brethren by a low orbit ring used for support and minor facilities and a high orbit ring with outward facing solar collection panels. Processing and distribution would take place from the high orbit counter-balance structures which would also house the necessary facilities for other projects, needs, and launching facilities. Before I go into too much detail, maintaining debate integrity, I will pass the floor onto my opponent. I thank him for excepting this debate, though technically he is the one who challenged me too it. I hope for a civil and informational affair and await a good challenge. ~Meow~