Mathematica(@mathemetica):Earth’s spin can hold a 100000 km cable taut once the system’s centre of mass sits at geostationary orbit. The effective potential U(r) = −μ/r − ½ω²r² pulls inward below GEO and outward above it. A counterweight beyond GEO keeps the tether in tension. Carbon nanotubes remain the leading candidate for the specific strength this taper requires. Climbers then ride the cable instead of rockets. The rotation that flattens Earth can also hold a staircase into space.

2026.08.26 13:23

Earth’s spin can hold a 100000 km cable taut once the system’s centre of mass sits at geostationary orbit. The effective potential U(r) = −μ/r − ½ω²r² pulls inward below GEO and outward above it. A counterweight beyond GEO keeps the tether in tension. Carbon nanotubes remain the leading candidate for the specific strength this taper requires. Climbers then ride the cable instead of rockets. The rotation that flattens Earth can also hold a staircase into space.