Problems with the space elevator concept?

Question

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/aug05/...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/space_...

Firstly if you do not know what the space elevator concept is, check out the two links.

Then after reading through the Spectrum article concerning Bradley C. Edwards proposed design plan can you think of any other problems that might arise that he has not addressed? If you can not think of any, are there any improvements that you would make to the plan? I think that an ambitious plan such as this should be critically analyzed.

Finally, do you think the world will have a working space elevator within 50 years from now? If not then, ever? This part has no bearing on best answer; I am just curious. I think that if a few space-faring nations band together and the materials advances are made, we will be able to build one within 50 years and possibly allow harvesting solar energy and other resources from space.

Answer 1

I read the article (I am a member of IEEE). The main thought I had was "this will never happen". The main reason is that such a large scale project will never pass worldwide approval because of the fear of the returning cable if it should fail. In addition, we seem to have so much environmental red tape and bureaucracy in general that it seems 10x harder to get anything done than in times past.

I don't want to come across as pessimistic, because I would root for such a project's success. It just doesn't seem like something that will actually come to fruition in today's business environment.

We could work to harvest solar energy now without the expense and risks of a space elevator. I think we all would agree that research and development of alternative energy sources and technologies is extremely important...perhaps in 50 years of research we could develop a better source of energy to outmode chemical rocket technology and negate the need for a space elevator?

Answer 2

I read about this almost 5 years ago, and have thought about it ever since. At first, I figured just the mere weight of a "cable" would prohibit it from being possible. But with advances in nano technology and Buckyball type structures (ie. small weight, high strength) could see that there might be materials developed that could allow for an elevator to be developed. One problem would be the Geosynchronous "anchor", and like the previous person said, space junk, satellites, etc. There would have to be a no fly zone as well. All in all, I figure if we can develop the technology to build such a system, we can also develop means to protect it from space junk, etc.
I think it would be great if this concept were brought to fruition, and I think that it is certainly possible, but on the other hand, I just don't see us actually doing it in 50 years (but can still dream of it).

Answer 3

Theoretically these will work. An analogy is that it's just like having a tennis ball attached to a rope and spinning the rope around with the ball on the end. You represent the earth, the string is the tether and the tennis ball is the space platform. So, there's no problem as this is what's actually happening with a space elevator. However, the issue is with the materials used, mainly for the tether. It's a bit like trying the same experiment but using cotton and a cannon ball. It'll theoretically work but we know the cotton will snap.

So, until the appropriate materials are developed with the ability to carry the forces necessary, it'll remain a nice thought experiment.

Just think what will happen as well if it breaks and we have a hundred mile or more long super strong whip flailing down from near space. I'd don't think I'd like a crack on the buttocks from that one!!

Great question, makes a change from the "Please answer my homework for me, I'm too lazy or thick to do it myself!" questions.

Answer 4

This space elevator idea is an example of why they don't let ee's design spacecrafts, or elevators for that mater. And how he can come up with comparative costs for something that can't work is beyond me.

Answer 5

l agree with Sky Wy Guy and l thought that space elevator will stay in project stage ,other projects are most likely to accomplices long before the elevator and serve to same purpose(laser and ionic propulsion for cruising wherever is needed)!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

I think satellite and space junk would hamper development