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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."

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

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

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    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 operagost · · Score: 4, Funny

      No Stairway? DENIED!

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

      It really makes me wonder.

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      When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a skull.
  3. Kids pressing all the buttons... by MrSteveSD · · Score: 5, Funny

    is surely the biggest problem :)

  4. 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.

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    "A microprocessor... is a terrible thing to waste." --
    GeneralEmergency