Future of Space Elevator Looks Shaky

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."

Comments

Told you so

[Junior J. Junior III]

I told everyone it wouldn't work. But would they laugh at me? No!

Alterantives

[Anonymous Coward]

If an elevator won't work what about a space escalator?

Re:Alterantives

[gardyloo]

But when you get there the shops are all closed. Bollocks to that.

Re:Scary stuff

[IceCreamGuy]

you will be... you... will... be...

Just jump.

[skgrey]

If all goes to hell, just jump in the elevator right before it hits the ground. Problem solved.

Re:I call bullshit!

[Yetihehe]

The coriolis effect is not a real force. It's an illusionary effect that happens when you have a moving point of reference.

Obligatory xkcd reference: http://xkcd.org/123/

Re:You forgot Apollo 1

[Rayban]

Apollo 1 doesn't count, as NASA declared a mulligan.