Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
Forces, gravity, tension, circular motion, space exploration

Introduction

Diagram illustrating several options for a space elevator, for example, it could be anchored to Earth, anchored to the moon, or not anchored to a celestial body.

Space elevators zipping people and materials up into space might seem like a very futuristic and improbable idea, but is it that difficult? This activity will guide you through the mathematics. Try it out and see what is possible with materials that can be produced with current technology.

Credits

Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Pen and paper
  • Calculator
  • Access to a computer program like Microsoft® Excel® that allows you to graph equations, or a graphing calculator
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
Forces, gravity, tension, circular motion, space exploration
icon scientific method

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