Kiertoranga

Kiertoranga is a Finnish term that translates to "orbital ring" in English. It refers to a hypothetical megastructure, a large, rigid structure in low Earth orbit that encircles the planet. The concept of an orbital ring is distinct from a space elevator, which relies on a single tensile tether. Instead, an orbital ring is envisioned as a continuous loop of material held in orbit by its own rotation and supported by dynamic substructures.

The primary purpose of an orbital ring would be to provide a stable and permanent platform for space-based activities. This could include launching spacecraft, hosting research facilities, or even serving as a staging point for further space exploration. Its elevated position would allow for efficient access to space, potentially reducing the cost and complexity of launches compared to traditional ground-based methods.

Various designs for orbital rings have been proposed, often involving a rotating ring and stationary "stators" or support towers that extend down to the Earth's surface. These stators would enable energy transfer and passenger or cargo transport between the ground and the orbital ring. The engineering challenges associated with constructing and maintaining such a massive structure are immense, requiring advanced materials and sophisticated engineering solutions. Despite these challenges, the concept of an orbital ring continues to be explored as a potential future infrastructure for humanity's expansion into space.