Is a space tether possible?

Researchers are still looking into what materials would make the best space tethers. In fact, one possibility is based on fishing line! The tether will have to be able to resist the corrosion caused by atomic oxygen in the upper reaches of Earth’s atmosphere, as well as damage from micrometeoroids.

Is it possible to make a space elevator?

A space elevator is possible with today’s technology, researchers say (we just need to dangle it off the moon) Space elevators would dramatically reduce the cost of reaching space but have never been technologically feasible.

How would a space hook work?

A Skyhook is simply a rotating satellite with a very long tether on one-side and a smaller tether with a counterweight on-the-other. A spacecraft attaches to the long tether side and gets flung out into space by the rotation.

What are space tethers made of?

A space tether is a long cable used to couple spacecraft together as they orbit the central body (i.e. Earth). Tethers are usually made of thin strands of high-strength fibers such as Spectra or Kevlar. Any space tethered system is intimately connected to the gravitational force field.

Why does nobody use the skyhook?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on why players don’t use the skyhook “The reason that young kids today learn how to shoot hook shots is because everybody is so enamored with the 3-point shot. So the kids don’t want two points. They don’t want to work with their back to the basket.

How much would a space skyhook cost?

Currently, each launch of this rocket costs around $115,000,000. This cost allows about 64 tonnes of stuff to be delivered to low-Earth orbit (which is about the altitude of the ISS, 250 miles, or 400 km).

What are tethers used for in space?

Space tethers are long cables which can be used for propulsion, momentum exchange, stabilization and attitude control, or maintaining the relative positions of the components of a large dispersed satellite/spacecraft sensor system.

How much would a space tether cost?

Compared to space shuttles, which cost about $22,000 per kilogram to take cargo into space, the Space Elevator – which relies on rocket-powered robot cars that zip along the tether – could do it for as little as $200 to $500 (depending on who’s estimates you consider).

Why would a space elevator be useful?

A space elevator is a proposed transportation system connecting the Earth’s surface to space. The elevator would allow vehicles to travel to orbit or space without the use of rockets.

Why can’t we have pure space?

In this view, you can’t have pure “empty space” because the idea of any space at all beyond the last piece of matter doesn’t make any sense. For example, you can’t measure the distance between two particles if you don’t have any particles. The concept of “space” would end when there are no more matter particles left to define it.

Can space exist without matter to fill it?

If you follow this notion, then space is something that can exist by itself without any matter to fill it.

Could new technologies help spacecraft slim down?

Scientists are exploring a range of new technologies that could help spacecraft slim down.

How will Tomorrow Tomorrow’s spacecraft be built?

Tomorrow’s spacecraft will be built using advanced materials with mind-boggling properties. Listen to this story via streaming audio, a downloadable file, or get help.