Can a space elevator only be built on the equator?

A space elevator with cables makes use of the centrifugal forces caused by the rotation of the earth. These forces’ vertical component is highest at the equator, while it is absent at the poles. If you did build a tower at the north pole, a payload would only gain height but no speed.

What is the space elevator made of?

carbon nanotubes
A space elevator made of a carbon nanotubes composite ribbon anchored to an offshore sea platform would stretch to a small counterweight approximately 62,000 miles (100,000 km) into space.

How would it be possible to build an elevator to space?

If you want to build an elevator to space, you don’t put it in a tower, you hang it from the sky. Obviously. The basic set up for a space elevator. Above geosynchronous orbit, 42,000 km up, the tether will swing fast enough that it will “fall up”, keeping the whole system upright.

What is the main technical problem with space elevator cables?

Cable section. Historically, the main technical problem has been considered the ability of the cable to hold up, with tension, the weight of itself below any given point. The greatest tension on a space elevator cable is at the point of geostationary orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above the Earth’s equator.

Why anchor a space elevator on a continent?

I believe that the reasons for anchoring a space elevator on a continent are: Storms are much weaker than at sea. Continents are where hurricanes, this planet’s most powerful storms, go to die. Access to greater transportation infrastructure. Almost 6 km “for free” of elevation.

Are carbon nanotubes strong enough to build an Earth space elevator?

Available materials are not strong enough to make an Earth space elevator practical. Some sources have speculated that future advances in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could lead to a practical design. Other sources have concluded that CNTs will never be strong enough.