Can a space elevator be stabilized without reaching geostationary orbit?

In summary, The conversation discusses the stability of a tower reaching geostationary orbit versus one that falls short of this height. It is mentioned that a taller tower would be more stable due to the low gravity pull from the top. However, it is noted that this may not be feasible with current technology. The conversation also touches on the impact of ground vibrations and wind force on the stability of a tower. Finally, it is mentioned that a counterweight beyond geostationary orbit would be necessary to prevent the tower from collapsing.
  • #1
Andrew S
3
0
Hi.

This may be really basic, but would appreciate your help. Is a tower whose height reaches a geostationary orbit at 35,000km's altitude or so more stable that one which doens't quite reach that height? So, say you are building a tower, decide you'd like it more stable, so should you go to the effort of making it a bit taller in order to take advantage of some sort of low gravity pull from the top?

I guess the question is whether there is such a 'pull' from orbit, or if the downward pressure is just less on the higher portions...

Thanks heaps.
Andrew
 
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  • #2
Andrew S said:
Hi.

This may be really basic, but would appreciate your help. Is a tower whose height reaches a geostationary orbit at 35,000km's altitude or so more stable that one which doens't quite reach that height? So, say you are building a tower, decide you'd like it more stable, so should you go to the effort of making it a bit taller in order to take advantage of some sort of low gravity pull from the top?

I guess the question is whether there is such a 'pull' from orbit, or if the downward pressure is just less on the higher portions...

Thanks heaps.
Andrew

Are you taking into account ground vibrations and wind force? A number: The highest skyscraper in Madrid is 200 m high (not too high by the way), but its top part oscillates about 1 m in a normal wind day. Definitely I think that building such an "space elevator" is "engineerably" impossible.
 
  • #3
Yes, the tower would be much more stable if you built it out to geostationary orbit. Just keep in mind, though, that the top of the tower would have to be built beyond GSO to achive this added stability. Whatever portion of the building's weight is above that altitude, that's the portion that will help steady the tower (kind-of the way a string gets steadied when you pull on both ends). Also, this only works if the tower is spot-on the equator.
 
  • #4
great, thanks.
:biggrin:
Understand this is impossible with today's technology - it's a sub-plot in my book.

The figures I'm thinking are that they were building the tower to 25,000km, found that it would be more unstable than they thought (due to frequency of hurricanes and Tsunami in the projected future), and therefore decided to build it up to 40,000km, to stabilise in the way described.

Does this figure out okay?

Thanks for the equator tip . . . will have to locate it in Africa or something, as I'm planning on most of the Pacific islands having sunk...

cheers,
Andrew
 
  • #5
If the tower is only to Geosynchronous orbit or lower, then it will collapse. Every part of the cable which is at an orbital period of 1 rotation/day (like the entire elevator would be) and an altitude less than Geo-synch will eventually fall to earth. You need a counterweight past GEO to hold that part up.
 

1. How does the space elevator remain stable?

The space elevator is kept stable through a combination of tension and centrifugal force. The elevator cable is anchored to the Earth's surface and extends out into space, with a counterweight at the end to provide tension. The rotation of the Earth also creates centrifugal force, which helps to keep the cable taut and maintain stability.

2. What would happen if the space elevator cable were to break?

If the space elevator cable were to break, the counterweight at the end of the cable would fly off into space due to the centrifugal force. The remaining portion of the cable on Earth would likely collapse, causing damage to the surrounding area.

3. Can weather or natural disasters affect the stability of a space elevator?

Weather and natural disasters can potentially affect the stability of a space elevator. Strong winds or storms could cause the cable to sway, and earthquakes could potentially damage the anchor points on Earth. However, the cable is designed to withstand a variety of extreme conditions and is constantly monitored for any potential issues.

4. How is the stability of a space elevator tested?

Before any space elevator is built, extensive computer simulations and physical tests are conducted to ensure its stability. These tests involve simulating a variety of conditions, such as wind, earthquakes, and changes in orbit. Once built, the space elevator is also constantly monitored to ensure its stability.

5. Are there any potential risks associated with a space elevator's stability?

While the space elevator is designed to be as safe as possible, there are still some potential risks associated with its stability. Strong solar flares or other space debris could potentially damage the cable, and the counterweight could potentially collide with other satellites in orbit. However, these risks are constantly monitored and mitigated to ensure the safety and stability of the space elevator.

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