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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."
I'm not saying it shouldn't be done. I guess my point is that the Millenium Bridge is so simple by comparison, yet it needed ~2 years of repairs after opening because of a wobble. People could have been thrown into the Thames, but no big deal, I guess. The space elevator, however, seems so much more prone to failure and with much bigger consequences.