A space elevator for Earth would consist of a cable fixed to the Earth's equator, reaching into space. By attaching a counterweight at the end (or by further extending the cable upward for the same purpose), the center of mass is kept well above the level of geostationary orbit. Upward centrifugal force from the Earth's rotation ensures that the cable remains stretched taut, fully countering the downward gravitational pull. Once above the geostationary level, climbers would have weight in the upward direction as the centrifugal force overpowers gravity. (The height relative to the diameter of the Earth on the diagram is to scale. The height of the counterweight varies by design and a typical, workable height is shown.)
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