From: Vulch@vulch.org   
      
   In message <43AAA3C5.5050207@obvioussgeinc.com>   
             Sea Wasp  wrote:   
      
    > 1)I was under the impression that carbon nanotubes, if manufacturable   
    > at reasonable lengths (~ a foot?) would make it possible to construct   
    > a beanstalk. Then I came across references saying that NO physical   
    > material would be able to take the stresses involved on Earth (though   
    > a moon or Mars beanstalk was possible).   
      
   A lot of materials could be used, the taper factor required (the bit of   
   the cable at geosynchronus altitude generally needs to be thicker than   
   that at either end) makes the gathering of sufficient material to be   
   problematic. An untapered cable needs a tensile strength comparable to   
   the theoretical limit.   
      
    > 2) Assuming you're building a beanstalk, what methods are likely to   
    > be used to anchor it?   
      
   Something along the lines of an oil rig has been suggested for early   
   versions. Have a read of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator to   
   get started, but note the section on the tensile strength required   
   doesn't agree with section on calculating the taper.   
      
              Anthony   
      
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