Vannevar Morgan, a visionary structural engineer, aims to build a space elevator connecting Earth to geostationary orbit. He selects the mountain peak of Sri Kanda in the equatorial island of Taprobane as his construction site. This mission requires the development of "hyperfilament," a diamond-based fiber strong enough to withstand planetary tension. Morgan faces intense opposition from a Buddhist monastery that has occupied the sacred summit for millennia. Parallel historical sequences detail the reign of King Kalidasa, an ancient ruler who built a garden palace on the same cliffs, highlighting the recurring intersection of engineering ambition and religious tradition.
Readers of hard science fiction will appreciate the technical focus on orbital mechanics and material sciences. Those interested in the clash between technological progression and cultural heritage will see how large-scale infrastructure projects disrupt long-standing human beliefs. The narrative provides a logistical blueprint for a future where chemical rockets are obsolete. Readers walk away with a specific understanding of the physical constraints regarding space access and a perspective on how human engineering feats are often mirrors of ancient architectural aspirations.
- Published
- 1979
- Language
- EN
