ML>  CA>> I also noticed mention at SlashDot that the idea of the 'space
ML>  CA>> elevator' is alive and well (surprised me) and that the Navy is
ML>  CA>> talking about their new 'rail guns' that they intend to mount
ML>  CA>> on their ships some time in the future.

ML>  MMC> I have noted brief news articles on both of those projects
ML>  MMC> over the past few months, and a 'somewhat decent' writeup on
ML>  MMC> the Space Elevator in Christian Science Monitor on the Web.
ML>  MMC> I've seen no mention however as to what they plan on doing
ML>  MMC> during Tornado season though, or what may happen when the jet
ML>  MMC> stream moves across that 'cable'...

ML> its my understanding that the space elevator would be located at the
ML> equator

True - that's the ideal location;  as you go towards the poles 
the rotational speed drops, making it harder to keep the thing up.

ML> ...do they get tornados there? 

Not yet - but a space elevator sounds a *lot* more attractive 
than even the biggest trailer park.

ML> does the jet stream make it that far south/north?

Not now, but as soon as they start building, they will. 


I think a bigger worry will be all the sight-seeing flights.
An 'elevator into space' is something everyone will want to see 
for themselves - close up.
Considering the cost of the darn thing, I suspect they'll have 
to totally ban all aircraft within a hundred miles of it - especially 
as it will be essentially invisible.

And, of course, how will they deal with all the orbiting junk 
at the level of the top-side station?



Terry V.
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 þ MM 1.1 #0367 þ "Ministers do More Than Lay People".


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