the math actually works, given a strong enough cable. You would lower a tether from geosynchronous orbit, and simultaneously extend a tether into space. Thus, t

the math actually works, given a strong enough cable. You would lower a tether from geosynchronous orbit, and simultaneously extend a tether into space. Thus, the total mass stays centered in geosynchronous orbit, and the lower tether gets pulled towards earth because of gravity, whole the upper tether gets pulled away because of centrifugal forces. Thus, in the end, you have a tether that lightly touches the ground without force and stays in the same place, and an outer tether that extends about a third of the way out to the moon. The tensile forces would be strongest in geosynchronous orbit and weakest at the ends of the tether. Another benefit of this construction is that you can use the outer tether to launch spaceships into space at escape velocity without any need for propulsion. You can even use tethers on other planets to catch such payloads again. This construction does not eliminate the need for propulsion to reach orbit. But, you now can push against the tether instead of slippery and ever-thinning air, and you don't need to worry about lateral acceleration.