Space Elevator

[Killer Andreas]

Re: Space Elevator

God, And to think i got scared going up to the space needle. My only question is... How does going through the atmosphere work.. I mean space shuttles have to enter it at exactly the right angle or else they explode? so will the elevator be angled, or will it be so tough that the atmospheric entry won't even be a problem... IDK, but I'll tell you one thing, I would sure as hell not go on it!

[JKPolk]

Re: Space Elevator

God, And to think i got scared going up to the space needle. My only question is... How does going through the atmosphere work.. I mean space shuttles have to enter it at exactly the right angle or else they explode? so will the elevator be angled, or will it be so tough that the atmospheric entry won't even be a problem... IDK, but I'll tell you one thing, I would sure as hell not go on it!

No, the only reason they enter at an angle is because it's easier for them to escape earth's gravity by using the earth as a slingshot. With powerful enough thrusters we could just go straight up, no problem. Coming back, the heat is just due to friction which is in turn due to velocity. As stated before, the elevator doesn't have to go at ludicrous speeds and thus wouldn't have the same effects.

[H3llacious]

Re: Space Elevator

****...I'll be in my 40s when they project to start construction.

Worrying about typhoons is one thing; it's worrying about potential asteroids and meteorites that will strike the elevator involves serious thinking.

[PsYcHoZeRoSk8eR]

Re: Space Elevator

I remember when this was posted, not this exact article but one very similar, a few years ago. I didn't read this article because I just didn't feel like it. I'm sure there were a few interesting points, and probably a few new things as well. Not that I would be able to pick up on any of the new points because I only remember the article and I don't the the faintest idea of what was in it.