At 8,848 meters above sea level, Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth, but not closest to space. Because of its rotation, Earth bulges at equator, making it thicker there. Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador, 6,268 meters above sea level, is located on this bulge. Hence, Chimborazo's summit is farther from Earth’s centre than Everest, making it nearer to space.