What If We Built an Elevator to Space?

What If We Built an Elevator to Space?


Cosmo wonders if a space elevator would let people come and visit him in outer space. Students discover how an ordinary elevator uses pulleys and a motor to function. Cosmo then describes two different designs proposed for a space elevator. How tall will a space elevator need to be? What materials would be strong enough to withstand the weather in Earth’s atmosphere? Could we use a space elevator to make space exploration easier? And how much would a space elevator cost?

Topic: Pulleys and Gears

Cosmorriculum: 

  • Describe the purposes of pulley systems and gear systems 
  • Describe how rotary motion in one system or its components is transferred to another system or component in the same structure
  • Identify pulley systems and gear systems that are used in daily life, and explain the purpose and basic operation of each

Let's Experiment at Home

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