My favourite space elevator alternative is the space fountain ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_fountain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_fountain ). It

My favourite space elevator alternative is the space fountain ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_fountain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_fountain ). It's an active structure made of small parts that are held together with a stream of magnets. If the fountain fails then each part can have its own parachute so that it can safely return to Earth. i.e. without destroying entire cities as would be the case for a traditional elevator design.