Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the theoretical implications of gravity and acceleration on a hypothetical 50,000 km space elevator, including the effects on passengers in a lifter, the variation of gravitational force along the cable, and potential speeds of the climber. The conversation explores both conceptual and technical aspects of this idea.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that a passenger would experience decreasing weight until reaching weightlessness at approximately 35,800 km, after which they would feel heavier again, depending on the cable length.
- Another participant questions whether 35,800 km is the point where Earth's gravity has lost effect, noting that gravitational force exists everywhere but weakens with distance.
- A participant clarifies that 35,800 km is the altitude where gravitational force allows for a geosynchronous orbit, not a point of zero gravity.
- There is a discussion about the implications of extending the elevator towards the moon, with questions about whether the passenger would feel weight again as they approach the moon.
- One participant introduces the concept of Lagrangian points and their relevance to the discussion, noting that they pertain to objects with the same orbital period.
- A participant raises the idea that the upward velocity of the elevator could create artificial gravity, prompting a response that this would only apply if the elevator is accelerating.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the effects of gravity at various altitudes and the implications of extending the elevator towards the moon. There is no consensus on the specific points of gravitational influence or the feasibility of connecting a space elevator to the moon.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about gravitational force and orbital mechanics are not fully explored, and there are unresolved questions regarding the effects of acceleration on perceived weight.