I have always hated the idea of GEO to Earth space cables. A "flying" space cable would be much more efficient, is possible with current technology, and would be able to provide service to much of the earth.
Just think of 4,000 km cable with it's lower end just above the atmosphere(100km-150km up).
The bottom end is traveling at less than orbital velocity for it's elevation and the top end is traveling at more than orbital velocity for it's elevation. This could reduce launch costs so that sub orbital launch vehicles could reach the lower end from most major international airports.
Think of it as a vertical Panama Canal to space.
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I have always hated the idea of GEO to Earth space cables. A "flying" space cable would be much more efficient, is possible with current technology, and would be able to provide service to much of the earth. Just think of 4,000 km cable with it's lower end just above the atmosphere(100km-150km up). The bottom end is traveling at less than orbital velocity for it's elevation and the top end is traveling at more than orbital velocity for it's elevation. This could reduce launch costs so that sub orbital launch vehicles could reach the lower end from most major international airports. Think of it as a vertical Panama Canal to space.