One minor correction - you don't need an asteroid. You simply need a mass in orbit above GEO. Brad Edward's insight was that if you extend the ribbon beyond GEO for a total length of 100,000 km then IT can function as the counterweight.
Not that getting an asteroid isn't a nifty idea but it does increase the cost of the thing, just a wee bit.
Also of note you can inject satellites into LEO with a space elevator. Just let go sligtly below GEO and your load will shape an eccentric orbit. Rocket motor to circularize your orbit at LEO and you're set.
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Not that getting an asteroid isn't a nifty idea but it does increase the cost of the thing, just a wee bit.
Also of note you can inject satellites into LEO with a space elevator. Just let go sligtly below GEO and your load will shape an eccentric orbit. Rocket motor to circularize your orbit at LEO and you're set.