Why cant u go to outer space like an upwards climbing roller coaster?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of reaching outer space, specifically comparing it to the experience of a roller coaster climbing upwards. Participants explore the mechanics of gravity, orbital dynamics, and theoretical constructs like a skyhook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that once you reach a certain height, you would simply float away from Earth's gravity.
  • Others introduce the concept of a skyhook as a theoretical solution for reaching space, but note the current limitations in materials to construct one.
  • One participant emphasizes that Earth's gravity extends infinitely, and that gravitational force decreases with distance according to the inverse square law, which means astronauts in orbit still experience significant gravitational pull.
  • There is a mention of the specific energy requirements for achieving geostationary orbit compared to low Earth orbit, highlighting the complexities involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanics of gravity and the feasibility of reaching space, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the practicalities of constructing a skyhook and the specific energy requirements for different orbital altitudes.

eratosthenes2
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when you reach that part 'which the Earth can no longer hold onto you'.. wouldn't u just climb up and then bam.. your floating?
 
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Sure, the idea is called a skyhook, but we don't have the materials to build one.
 
We have enough trouble building half quarter mile tall structures!

Note also - this only works for geostationary orbit, which is an altitude of around 24,000 miles. Low Earth orbit is a paltry 150 miles, and at that low altitude, the speed of the orbit is by far the main energy requirement.
 
eratosthenes2 said:
when you reach that part 'which the Earth can no longer hold onto you'.. wouldn't u just climb up and then bam.. your floating?
There is no place in which "earth can no longer hold on to you." Earth's gravity extends out to infinity. Gravity is an inverse square law, which means that gravitational acceleration is proportional to the inverse of the square of the distance to the center of the Earth. For example, the gravitational force on those astronauts you see on TV floating around in the space station is more-or-less the same as the force they are subject to when standing on the surface of the Earth -- specifically, its about 90% of the Earth-bound force.
 
DaleSpam said:
Sure, the idea is called a skyhook, but we don't have the materials to build one.

It'd be awesome if we did...
 

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