Are space elevators possible? Physicist says they could transform humanity into a 'spacefaring civilization'

Summary

1. A cable would extend from Earth to beyond geostationary orbit.
2. Stability depends on a satellite balancing gravitational and centrifugal forces.
3. Carbon nanotubes may be used, facing scalability challenges.
4. Advances in materials science could enable space elevators.

References

• Media Check: Phys.org -  Media Bias/Fact Check  (HIGH CREDIBILITY)
• COLLECTIONS/The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
• RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE GUIDELINES LEARNING OUTCOMES ETC)