Reactions

Letters to the editor Space elevators The Periodic Graphics article in the July 1, 2024, issue of C&EN titled “The Science of Space Elevators” (page 25) is so oversimplified as to be tantamount to farce. The implication from the article is that the only major problem that needs to be solved is the tensile strength of the cable. This is far from the case. I struck out in trying to find information about space elevators from NASA but did find a more serious discussion of the topic (even though incomplete) on Northeastern Global News. Here I simply list important considerations. To discuss and explain them would require a longer message than is allowed in a C&EN letter to the editor. Other considerations are the following: The ground terminus must be in a geologically stable location. The ground terminus must rest on bedrock. The ground terminus must be at Earth’s equator.

Publication Details

Journal
C&EN Global Enterprise
Published
2024-08-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-10224-reactions
Primary Topic
Space Satellite Systems and Control
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Reactions

C&EN Global Enterprise
Space Satellite Systems and Control
article

Reactions

article en

Abstract

Letters to the editor Space elevators The Periodic Graphics article in the July 1, 2024, issue of C&EN titled “The Science of Space Elevators” (page 25) is so oversimplified as to be tantamount to farce. The implication from the article is that the only major problem that needs to be solved is the tensile strength of the cable. This is far from the case. I struck out in trying to find information about space elevators from NASA but did find a more serious discussion of the topic (even though incomplete) on Northeastern Global News. Here I simply list important considerations. To discuss and explain them would require a longer message than is allowed in a C&EN letter to the editor. Other considerations are the following: The ground terminus must be in a geologically stable location. The ground terminus must rest on bedrock. The ground terminus must be at Earth’s equator.

C&EN Global EnterpriseVol. 102(24)
Openalex Percentile: Top 81%
Space Satellite Systems and Control
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.