If a space elevator breaks, the consequences depend on where the break occurs, but the most significant scenario is a break at the anchor point on Earth. Here's a breakdown:
According to the provided reference, if the elevator is cut at its anchor point on Earth's surface, the following will occur:
- Upward Ascent: The outward force exerted by the counterweight would cause the entire elevator to rise upward into a higher orbit.
- Potential Escape: The elevator might even escape Earth's gravity altogether.
In other words, instead of plummeting to Earth, the space elevator would essentially float away from Earth.
