Space elevator - Wikipedia
A counterweight at the upper end keeps the center of mass well above geostationary orbit level. This produces enough upward centrifugal force from Earth's rotation to fully counter the downward gravity, keeping the cable upright and taut. Climbers carry cargo up and down the cable.
Three-dimensional analysis of a counterweight type space elevator
Aug 1, 2021 · We investigate new type of space elevator, the counterweight type, which may avoid the problems with the climber type. We analyzed the cable dynamics of the counterweight type space elevator and calculated the power required for the operation.
How Space Elevators Will Work - HowStuffWorks
Early plans for the space elevator involved capturing an asteroid and using it as a counterweight. However, more recent plans like those of LiftPort and the Institute for Scientific Research (ISR) include the use of a man-made counterweight.
Counterweight - Wikipedia
The purpose of a counterweight is to make lifting the load faster and more efficient, which saves energy and causes less wear and tear on the lifting machine. [2] Counterweights are often used in traction lifts (elevators), cranes and funfair rides.
A Hoist to the Heavens - IEEE Spectrum
Aug 1, 2005 · We need something better, and that something is a space elevator—a superstrong, lightweight cable stretching 100 000 kilometers from Earth’s surface to a counterweight in space. Roomy elevator cars powered by electricity would speed along the cable.
A space elevator is a tall tower rising from a point on the Earth’s equator to a height well above a geostationary orbit, where it terminates in a counterweight. Although the concept is more than a century old, it was only with the discovery of carbon nanotubes that it began to receive serious scientific attention.
The orbital mechanics of space elevator launch systems
Feb 1, 2021 · Finally, we show that Tier 2 and 3 space elevators can potentially use counterweights to perform staged slingshot maneuvers, providing a velocity multiplier which could dramatically reduce transit times to outer planets and interstellar destinations.
International Space Elevator Consortium: Frequently Asked …
A tether (cable) stretches from the ground to an Apex Anchor (counterweight) 100,000 km up/out in space. Elevator cars (tether climbers), powered by electricity travel up and down the tether and carry cargo and eventually humans to and from space.
The physics of the space elevator - AIP Publishing
Feb 1, 2007 · A space elevator is a tall tower rising from a point on the Earth’s equator to a height well above a geostationary orbit, where it terminates in a counterweight. Although the concept is more than a century old, it was only with the discovery of carbon nanotubes that it began to receive serious scientific attention.
Why does the material for space elevators have to be really strong?
Oct 14, 2016 · A space elevator of uniform thickness and no counterweight would need to reach to about 6 times geosynchronous altitude to have the center of gravity at geosynchronous altitude. $\endgroup$ –