 Uniform unloaded space-elevator cable

A radial co-rotating cable of constant linear mass density $\lambda$ extends from planetary radius $R$ to $b={\eta }^{\prime }R$, with zero applied endpoint tension. If the geostationary orbit has radius $\eta R$, integration of the effective force gives ${\eta }^{\prime }({\eta }^{\prime }+1)=2{\eta }^3$ for a nonzero cable. At position $r$ its tension is $\lambda [GM(1/R-1/r)-{\omega }^2(r^2-R^2)/2]$. Differentiation shows the maximum at the geostationary orbit. An anchor load or counterweight alters the integrated condition.