An elevator in space
Abstract
A geostationary shaft satellite is proposed which is vertically stabilized in the Earth's gravitational field. The shaft is prolonged above and below the satellite so that it stays in stable equilibrium; the prolongation is continued until the inferior branch reaches the Earth's surface. The base is fixed and masses are attached to the superior branch so that the 'ladder' is stretched with the help of centrifugal force. In principle an elevator could then be installed in this tower.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- June 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979STIN...8029406R
- Keywords:
-
- Elevators (Lifts);
- Ladders;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Balance;
- Centrifugal Force;
- Earth Surface;
- Gravitational Fields;
- Stability;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles