  In this paper different deterministic and statistical models, based on new
quantized theories proposed by the author, are presented to estimate the
strength of a real, thus defective, space elevator cable. The cable, of ~100
megameters in length, is composed by carbon nanotubes, ~100 nanometers long:
thus, its design involves from the nano- to the mega-mechanics. The predicted
strengths are extensively compared with the experiments and the atomistic
simulations on carbon nanotubes available in the literature. All these
approaches unequivocally suggest that the megacable strength will be reduced by
a factor at least of ~70% with respect to the theoretical nanotube strength,
today (erroneously) assumed in the cable design. The reason is the unavoidable
presence of defects in a so huge cable. Preliminary in silicon tensile
experiments confirm the same finding. The deduced strength reduction is
sufficient to pose in doubt the effective realization of the space elevator,
that if built as today designed will surely break (according to the s opinion).
The mechanics of the cable is also revised and possibly damage sources
discussed.
