Why space elevator is not possible?
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Why space elevator is not possible?
The biggest challenge of building a space elevator may be the 100,000-kilometer-long tether. It would have to be incredibly strong to handle the gravitational and centrifugal forces pulling on it. The steel used in tall buildings wouldn’t work for a space elevator cable.
How much does a space elevator cost?
A space elevator built according to the Edwards proposal is estimated to cost $6 billion.
How long would a space elevator ride take?
Travel on a space elevator would not be fast! The travel time from one end to the other would be several days to a month. To put the distance in perspective, if the climber moved at 300 km/hr (190 mph), it would take five days to reach geosynchronous orbit.
Is NASA working on a space elevator?
NASA says the basic concept of a space elevator is sound, and researchers around the world are optimistic that one can be built. The Obayashi Corp., a global construction firm based in Tokyo, has said it will build one by 2050, and China wants to build one as soon as 2045. It could open up space to the average person.”
Is a moon elevator possible?
According to a study published in 2019, a lunar elevator could be the answer. A cable anchored to the lunar surface would stretch most of the 400,000km (250,000 miles) home. It couldn’t be directly attached to the Earth, due to the relative motions of the two objects, but it could terminate high in Earth orbit.
What are the biggest challenges in building a space elevator?
Space Elevator Materials Artist rendering of Space Elevator. (Image courtesy of Japan Space Elevator Association.) The number one challenge quoted by most space elevator skeptics is our lack of
How much would it cost to build a space elevator?
A space elevator built according to the Edwards proposal is estimated to cost $6 billion. For comparison, in potentially the same time frame as the elevator: the Skylon, a 12,000 kg cargo capacity single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane (not a conventional rocket) is estimated to have an R&D and production cost of about $15 billion.
What is the ideal location for a space elevator?
The volcano was discovered by the Mariner 9 spacecraft in 1971, and was originally called Middle Spot. Its name formally became Pavonis Mons in 1973. The equatorial location of its peak and its height make it the ideal terminus for a space elevator, and it has often been proposed as a space elevator location, especially in science fiction.
Why do we need a space elevator?
Space elevators enable low cost access to GEO and beyond[$100 per kg]