They ran this all over the sci.space groups for a while.

Somebody made up a neato web site with clever animations
showing how well it worked.

When people started pointing out some of the more obvious
problems, thing got a bit heated.

It's BAAAck...

One of my posts from back then.......................................


All you have to do is demonstrate that this thing _can_ actually work.

I'd settle for a simple math description of the transfer mechanics
and mechanical reactions, but a couple of small tethers playing catch
with a base ball would convince almost everybody.

(Mom is a die hard skeptic)


Animations are useful for visually describing something.
Ok, you've got that.

Next step up the ladder is a 'simulation'.
A 'scale model'.
Either physical - or computer code.

It will take EVERYTHING into account.

How the ractions occur when you release mass.
What happens (and how?) when you capture mass.

(Including such minor problems as rotation of the mass you
intend to capture? That's energy too.)

How the C.G. of the whole thing changes during capture and release.
Or, while 'hauling' something 'up' the tether?
(that's where I have my own doubts.)

How the tether structure will react to all that...

What the orbital reactions are when gaining and expending energy?

Get a good SIMULATION up and running, you'll get R&D money and a
launch schedule.

And we'll just put a couple of small test toys in orbit and toss a
baseball back and forth...

Until then?

All you have is an idea that can't be tested.

Or a LOT of work to do...