Editing 697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength
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A {{w|space elevator}} is a proposed construction that would make space travel easier. It consists of a long string attached to the Earth (near equator) on one end and a counterweight (beyond the {{w|geostationary orbit}}) on the other end, kept taut and in one place by the gravity and centrifugal forces. This would make it possible to carry spacecraft into the orbit by simple mechanical means, as opposed to requiring the use of rockets as is the case nowadays, saving a lot of energy and resources. | A {{w|space elevator}} is a proposed construction that would make space travel easier. It consists of a long string attached to the Earth (near equator) on one end and a counterweight (beyond the {{w|geostationary orbit}}) on the other end, kept taut and in one place by the gravity and centrifugal forces. This would make it possible to carry spacecraft into the orbit by simple mechanical means, as opposed to requiring the use of rockets as is the case nowadays, saving a lot of energy and resources. | ||
| β | The phrase "a modern Babel" refers to the biblical story of the {{w|Tower of Babel}} (later referenced in [[2421: Tower of Babel]]), in which humans endeavor to build a tower reaching heaven. Their arrogance angers God and prompts him to sabotage the project. A space elevator can be seen as a modern equivalent of a tower to heaven. Additionally, the expression "a modern Babel" may be used figuratively to describe huge projects (especially buildings or human-made structures) that fail because they are too ambitious. | + | The phrase "a modern Babel" refers to the biblical story of the {{w|Tower of Babel}} (later referenced in [[2421: Tower of Babel]]), in which humans endeavor to build a tower reaching heaven. Their arrogance angers God and prompts him to sabotage the project. A space elevator can be seen as a modern equivalent of a tower to heaven.{{citation needed}} Additionally, the expression "a modern Babel" may be used figuratively to describe huge projects (especially buildings or human-made structures) that fail because they are too ambitious. |
The title text makes the point that even before [[Black Hat]] cut the space elevator's ribbon-like cable in two, it was ruined by the holes in it for the banner. The holes would reduce the surface area of the cross section of the ribbon, reducing its ability to keep the elevator attached to the ground. The flag and holes would also potentially make it impossible for the elevator to travel up the ribbon, making the entire elevator useless. | The title text makes the point that even before [[Black Hat]] cut the space elevator's ribbon-like cable in two, it was ruined by the holes in it for the banner. The holes would reduce the surface area of the cross section of the ribbon, reducing its ability to keep the elevator attached to the ground. The flag and holes would also potentially make it impossible for the elevator to travel up the ribbon, making the entire elevator useless. | ||
