> why you think that a 35000 km long cable falling in the ocean from space would cause any less damage to the planet than it falling down on solid ground
They’re not obviously wrong.
A lot of the cable is moving at escape and orbital velocities. Tensile strength is all that holds it together.
If, as the cable fails, you sever the parts above from below around escape velocity, you’ll significantly reduce the length of cable that will ever hit the surface.
They’re not obviously wrong.
A lot of the cable is moving at escape and orbital velocities. Tensile strength is all that holds it together.
If, as the cable fails, you sever the parts above from below around escape velocity, you’ll significantly reduce the length of cable that will ever hit the surface.