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Technology & Innovation

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

Tanner Stening
12 February 2024
12 min
PME All levels

BLUF

A space elevator provides a cheaper alternative to rocket launches.

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

References

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

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