One of our readers just sent in an interesting clip that explains how one of the proposed space elevator designs would work. What are your thoughts on this technology? Video after the jump.
The most common proposal is a tether, usually in the form of a cable or ribbon, spanning from the surface to a point beyond geosynchronous orbit. As the planet rotates, the inertia at the end of the tether counteracts the centripetal force of gravity and keeps the cable taut. Vehicles can then climb the tether and escape the planet’s gravity without the use of rocket propulsion
One of our readers just sent in an interesting clip that explains how one of the proposed space elevator designs would work. What are your thoughts on this technology? Video after the jump.
The most common proposal is a tether, usually in the form of a cable or ribbon, spanning from the surface to a point beyond geosynchronous orbit. As the planet rotates, the inertia at the end of the tether counteracts the centripetal force of gravity and keeps the cable taut. Vehicles can then climb the tether and escape the planet’s gravity without the use of rocket propulsion
