Space Elevator Question

[JimG]

There is not category for orbital mechanics, but maybe someone with a science background can answer my question.

If there is a space elevator located near the equator, how far up do you have to go before being able to step out without falling back to earth? Do you have to get to a geostationary orbital altitude? Or could you step off at any altitude above the atmosphere and remain in a lower orbit?

 

[1Lord1Faith]

Human problems.

Superman didn’t have to think about this kind of thing.

 

[GEddie]

The space elevator travels with geostationary speed.

In order to be held up and not spiral back onto the surface, it is attached to a counterweight higher than the geostationary orbit, which holds it up by centrifugal force.

So if you stepped off of it, your orbit would not be stable until you were at or above geostationary orbit. At it, you’d float next to the cable. Above it, you’d swing outward to a higher apogee.

Below it, you’d fall to a lower perigee. Whether you stayed in orbit or reentered the atmosphere would depend upon your initial altitude, but ISTM, you’d need to be several thousand miles up in order not to reenter.

ICXC NIKA

 

[JimG]

Thank you.