Would a space elevator be safe?
Yes, it would. When the International Space Station is under threat from being hit by a satellite in orbit, it can fire its thrusters to get out of the way. A space elevator, whether it’s anchored to Earth or the moon, is static and immovable. It’s at the complete mercy of any object headed its way.
What would happen if a space elevator collapsed?
If the break occurred at higher altitude, up to about 25,000 kilometres (16,000 mi), the lower portion of the elevator would descend to Earth and drape itself along the equator east of the anchor point, while the now unbalanced upper portion would rise to a higher orbit.
What is the main problem with building a space elevator?
Historically, the main technical problem has been considered the ability of the cable to hold up, with tension, the weight of itself below any given point. The greatest tension on a space elevator cable is at the point of geostationary orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above the Earth’s equator.
Why isn’t a space elevator possible?
The biggest challenge of building a space elevator may be the 100,000-kilometer-long tether. It would have to be incredibly strong to handle the gravitational and centrifugal forces pulling on it. The steel used in tall buildings wouldn’t work for a space elevator cable.
Will a space elevator ever be built?
While progress has been made in several respects, the concept still hovers on the edge of possibility. For some scientists and engineers, the enduring challenges are enough to conclude that a Space Elevator will never be built (at least here on Earth).
Does a space elevator have to be on the equator?
To support the weight of a tether and payload, the object to be used as a “space anchor” must actually be in an equatorial orbit but at a greater than geostationary altitude. The whole point of a space elevator is to get a payload out of Earth’s gravity well.
Is anyone building a space elevator?
NASA says the basic concept of a space elevator is sound, and researchers around the world are optimistic that one can be built. The Obayashi Corp., a global construction firm based in Tokyo, has said it will build one by 2050, and China wants to build one as soon as 2045.
Is a space ladder possible?
A space elevator is possible with today’s technology, researchers say (we just need to dangle it off the moon) Space elevators would dramatically reduce the cost of reaching space but have never been technologically feasible.
Is a space elevator a real possibility?
It is a real possibility — a “space elevator” — that researchers are considering today as a far-out space transportation system for the next century. Above: Artist Pat Rawling’s concept of a space elevator viewed from the geostationary transfer station looking down along the length of the elevator toward Earth. [more information]
What is the main technical problem with space elevator cables?
Cable section. Historically, the main technical problem has been considered the ability of the cable to hold up, with tension, the weight of itself below any given point. The greatest tension on a space elevator cable is at the point of geostationary orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above the Earth’s equator.
Could a space elevator be made from nanotubes?
Carbon nanotubes are a potential material if they can ever be made long enough. But options available today are just too feeble. Enter Penoyre and Sandford, who have revisited the idea with a twist. They say their version of a space elevator, which they call a spaceline, could be built with materials that are commercially available today.
Why is an equatorial location ideal for a space elevator?
An equatorial location is ideal for a tower of such enormous height because the area is practically devoid of hurricanes and tornadoes and it aligns properly with geostationary orbits (which are directly overhead). Above: Equatorial base sites are essential for space elevators because they align properly with geostationary orbits.