A beanstalk or space elevator is a strong cable (usually made of polybuckminsterfullerene or some semi-elastic diamondoid) lowered from a geosynchronous satellite and anchored to the ground. Beanstalks often have a counterweight at the outer end to provide some extra tension and stability. This weight is called an Anchor or anchorweight.
A beanstalk provides cheap and simple access to space using elevators. Most developed worlds have a series of beanstalks connecting the surface with orbitals. Although the effect from a beanstalk breaking and whiplashing around the planet would be quite serious, this has only rarely happened. Link to early space elevators.