Space Elevators

What are the benefits of space elevators? (Choose all correct answers.)

• It would be safer than rockets.

• It would be easier to get payloads to space.

• It would be less expensive than using rockets.

How much would a space elevator reduce costs?

• By 80%

• By 50%

• By 95%

• By 25%

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Why can't we build structures that are thousands of kilometers tall?

• Too many airplanes would crash into it.

• It would violate international law.

• There isn't enough money in the world.

• We don't have strong enough materials yet.

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

What would keep the cable tight and up in space?

• There would be thrusters at the end of the cable.

• The force is caused because the Earth is spinning and the counterweight at the end of the cable would pull.

• The cable would be stiff and just stay upright.

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What is the minimum height above Earth that the counterweight (end of the cable) would need to be located?

• Greater than 36,000 km

• Greater than 40,000 km

• Greater than 52,000 km

• Greater than 46,000 km

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

What is a "geostationary orbit"?

• When the object in orbit moves around the Earth slower than the planet spins.

• When the object in orbit moves around Earth at the same rate the planet spins.

• When the object in orbit moves around the Earth faster than the planet spins.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Why should the anchor point (Earth base) be near the equator?

• To maximize centrifugal acceleration (the force from the spin).

• To minimize centrifugal acceleration (the force from the spin).

• Just because putting things in the center looks better.

• Because there is more ocean at the equator.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

How many days do scientists estimate it would take to bring a payload up to geostationary orbit?

• 1

• 3

• 6

• 8

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

What is the main problem with actually building a space elevator?

• We don't have the right materials yet.

• It's so expensive.

• No one is interested in a space elevator.

• We don't have enough diamonds to make diamond nanothreads.

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Which 2 countries are already planning to build a space elevator by 2050?

• China

• United States

• Japan

• Russia