Re: Space Elevator by 2019?
From: Joann Evans (bondage_at_frontiernet.net)
Date: 06/27/04
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Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 15:35:26 GMT
Peter Fairbrother wrote:
>
> The thing I don't understand about a space elevator is how they are going to
> get the first thread in place.
>
> I read somewhere that they wanted to start at GSO and unreel it both
> downwards and upwards simultaneously, but that won't work - the bits will
> move sideways. Does anyone know?
No. I agree the engineering is far off, but there's no physical
reason one could not do exactly as you say. Space elevators are
essentially long, thin orbiting objects that happen to be long enough to
reach the surface.
> Another is, why do they want to put it on the equator? It can touch down
> anywhere on Earth. Near-space above the equator should be reserved for
> orbits.
Because, just like the big satcoms, that's the only place you can be
stationary with respect to Earth's surface. Any other inclination (at
the same altitude) will trace out a figure-8 pattern on the ground.
Lower orbits will be even messier. You don't want to drag the end of
this thing through the atmosphere.
> --
> Peter Fairbrother
-- You know what to remove, to reply....
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