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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."

4 of 244 comments (clear)

  1. First Post by ZlatanZ++ · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    First one, and it was rubbush!

  2. Re:A collision could cut the tether... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Hey peeps, Has anybody tried installing Solaris on a MacTV for use as a RAIDZ NAS device? Wondering if it would work or not.

  3. Firs7 Post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    this po5t up.

  4. I has the solution! by Rosy+At+Random · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Well, maybe not. In fact, I didn't even RTFA. But never mind about that.

    OK, so here's an idea. I haven't thought it through in even the slightest way, so it's bound to work.

    Rather than have just a single tether straight up, have 3 or 4 arranged regularly. Let them connect at terminus. At the terminus, for no good reason at all, have spoke stations rotating vertically around the hub.

    --
    Would you like a slice of toast?