If you had enough string, could you drop it from a satellite in geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles straight down to earth. What properties would the string have? Could objects be slid up and down on it? What experiments could be done with the string?
2007-07-24 10:56:53 · 4 answers · asked by Menehune 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It's a bit more complicated than that, but is close to a real possibility -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator
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2007-07-24 14:11:25 · answer #1 · answered by Gary H 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is theoretically possible. This has actually been proposed in a way, using a satellite in geosynchronous orbit with a cable dropped to the earth as a way of pulling things into orbit in a 'space elevator'. The main problem is the strength of the cable. Even at such an altitude it would need to have a good strength to weight ratio, since you would have miles of string/cable to support. They were talking about using carbon fiber composites. It might be a cheap way of getting satellites in place if it ever were to be built.
2007-07-24 11:07:57 · answer #2 · answered by Nels N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the string was made out of carbon fiber it would start out at 10 microns and then get bigger in diameter as the tension increased from it's own weight. At the half way point it would have to be about 3'-0" across and then it would taper back down to the other end.
Good luck climbing that one.
2007-07-24 11:01:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if the string was strong enough.
2007-07-24 11:33:14 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋