Posted on 12/10/2008 7:41:35 AM PST by Clint Williams
lurking_giant writes
"In a report on NewScientist.com, researchers working on development of a space elevator (an idea we have discussed numerous times) have determined that the concept is not stable. Coriolis force on the moving climbers would cause side loading that would make stability extremely difficult, while solar wind would cause shifting loads on the geostationary midpoint. All of this would likely make it necessary to add thrusters, which would consume fuel and negate the benefits of the concept. Alternatively, careful choreography of multiple loads might ease the instability, again with unknown but negative economic impacts."
So the space elevator is going down?
< ducking >
(Hey, one bad pun deserves another!)
How about a space Escalator? ;)
One such detail, btw, would have been actually deploying the thing in the first place. Turns out that just dropping the cable would require an immense launch campaign.
285,364,283rd floor please
Well there's a twist.
Seriesly, though, from the time I first heard about this I thought the coriolis forces would be a deal-killer for it. Anything that can create a hurricane in the lower levels of the atmosphere is going to be absolutely devastating on a structure that tall.
maybe stairs or a ladder....??
Simple rockets can probably beat the space elevator in terms of cost. I’m talking about private industry, not government-funded space shuttles.
Though space elevators and other concepts can still be viable on the moon and Mars.
This is the equivalent of the “studies” 25 years ago that said Missile Defense would never be possible because “you can’t hit a bullet with a bullet”. It is simply too early in the research cycle to say what is and is not possible when we haven’t even developed the nonofibers that would be the building blocks of the cable.
To point out obstacles that ultimately would have to be overcome is fair. However to issue judgments on project viability before these and other obstacles can be addressed is not science, nor is it engineering.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires a space ramp with a slope no greater than 1 inch per foot horizontal distance instead of stairs.
“determined that the concept is not stable.”
Something I noted when it was first discussed.
well then those ideas are out or the aclu will be on my a**
I was wondering how long it would take for reality to set in. And, if the thing ever broke... What a ride THAT would be! Insurance policy would cost a few bucks.
They should start with a stairway to heaven.
A really long rope? Maybe?
No matter how high, there will always be somebody that wants to get off on the second floor...
Mmmm. Could BE!
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