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Space Elevators Face Wobble Problem

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the all-part-of-the-ride dept.

NewScientist is reporting that while the strength of the tether has long been considered the main problem in building a space elevator, a new study suggests that a dangerous wobbling problem may also be a serious obstacle. "Previous studies have noted that gravitational tugs from the Moon and Sun, as well as pressure from gusts of solar wind, would shake the tether. That could potentially make it veer into space traffic, including satellites and bits of space debris. A collision could cut the tether and wreck the space elevator."

24 of 244 comments (clear)

  1. A collision could cut the tether... by kcbanner · · Score: 5, Funny

    A collision could cut the tether and wreck the space elevator. Not to mention hurling whomever/whatever is the payload into space with the force of the largest man-made slingshot.
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    1. Re:A collision could cut the tether... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      With your scenario, it would definitely be youtube quality footage if we could record the space lift payload colliding with one of our astrological neighbors!

      As long as we consult the stars before building the thing, breakage shouldn't be a problem.

  2. Then why not a space escalator? by CaptainPatent · · Score: 4, Funny

    Because escalators don't break... they just become stairs.

    --
    Well, back to rejecting software patent applications.
    1. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by eln · · Score: 5, Funny

      A broken space escalator would become a stairway to heaven, and if Led Zeppelin has taught us anything, it's that a Stairway to Heaven doesn't make any damn sense at all unless you're already so high you're practically in space already.

    2. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by Tribbin · · Score: 2, Funny

      Elevators don't break; they just become spaceships.

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      If you mod this up, your slashdot background will turn into a beautiful sunset!
    3. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by Chris+Burke · · Score: 3, Funny

      if Led Zeppelin has taught us anything, it's that a Stairway to Heaven doesn't make any damn sense at all unless you're already so high you're practically in space already.

      Well it makes perfect sense to me!

      --

      The enemies of Democracy are
    4. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by operagost · · Score: 4, Funny

      No Stairway? DENIED!

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    5. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by mweather · · Score: 3, Funny

      Or a tunnel from England to France.

    6. Re:Then why not a space escalator? by isomeme · · Score: 4, Funny

      It really makes me wonder.

      --
      When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a skull.
  3. This is awesome by Apoorv+Khatreja · · Score: 2, Funny

    Why would somebody want to prevent that? Free fall would be the most amazing part of the ride.

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    RutSum.com
    1. Re:This is awesome by Pojut · · Score: 2, Funny

      Once, when I was about 8 years old, I asked my step-dad if jumping off a cliff hurts. His answer?

      "It's not the jumping part that hurts...it's the sudden stop at the end."

      --
      Living With a Nerd
  4. weebles by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Make the elevator teether out of weebles.

    Next.

    1. Re:weebles by call-me-kenneth · · Score: 2, Funny

      Thanks... I've always wanted to know if I could spray dry-roasted peanuts out of my nose the way some people do coffee.

  5. Shurely shome mishtake!! by call-me-kenneth · · Score: 2, Funny

    You really mean to tell me this batshit crazy idea that requires massive advances in materials science even to become technically feasible might just possibly not be entirely practical?? Say it ain't so.

  6. And you thought it was bad by Lucas123 · · Score: 3, Funny

    getting stuck in an elevator in a NYC skyscraper, imagine a brownout halfway between here and the moon.

  7. Kids pressing all the buttons... by MrSteveSD · · Score: 5, Funny

    is surely the biggest problem :)

  8. Re:wreck the elevator by VoltCurve · · Score: 1, Funny

    Do not worry. I have modified the wiki entry to fit better with your version of reality. You are welcome.

  9. What "the Doctor" had to say about it. by jameskojiro · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Yo, I was like going up in da space elevator with my hommies and E-lek-tronic Dawg when the whole thing started goin' all Wibbly Wobbly like. I pulled out my Sa-honic Screwdriv'ah an dun popped a sonic cap it the monofiliment resonator. After that is was all like that bitch Sarah Jane, smooth as her backside was 30 years ago when she was still hawt, ya' know what I mean G? "

    --
    Tsukasa: All I really want, is to be left alone...
  10. Re:Just let it wobble! by cloakable · · Score: 2, Funny

    No, in that case you'll end up in Hell, or Earth will be invaded, with a silent scientist armed with a crowbar as our only hope.

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    No tyrant thrives when every subject says no.
  11. Re:I am more concerned about the static problem by ma1wrbu5tr · · Score: 3, Funny

    Did ya go to one of those "intelligent design" science classes?

    --
    Why can't we go back to using jumpers to configure slot adapter cards? Why? I say!
  12. The bigger problem with space elevators... by GeneralEmergency · · Score: 4, Funny


    ...is having to listen to bad instrumental versions of "The Girl From Ipanema" for three days straight.

    --
    "A microprocessor... is a terrible thing to waste." --
    GeneralEmergency
  13. Re:wreck the elevator by TooMuchToDo · · Score: 2, Funny

    *looks on Terrapass website for "In the event of destruction of your space elevator" carbon offset*

  14. Re:being unstable doesn't preclude it being usable by Harmonious+Botch · · Score: 2, Funny

    This will be very useful in elevator vs elevator combat.

  15. So then? by PPH · · Score: 2, Funny

    They've solved the elevator music problem?

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.