"It is used for lifting heavy ordinance into the atmosphere of the planet using a pulley system that negates the use of rockets or waste of fuel to generate an escape velocity for materials."
You know, I was always under the impression that the New Mombasa Elevator most likely would have used magnents to propel the the car up. It'd be alot more speedy and effenciant. I can think of two reasons to back up my theory. We already know that humanity knows well and dandy how to properly work a magnet (MAC guns, Gauss Worthog, ect), so that would be the first bit of evidence. The second bit would be the contsruction of the elavator itself. On the the image provided in the article you can see the central shaft surrounded by two smaller pillars connected together to form rings going on up the elevator. Hmm, now what might those be? I'm thinking that those rings are the magnetic accelorators for the elevator. Perhaps the wording on the article needs changing? Any ideas anyone?