In theory, could elevators replace satellites? If so perhaps an initial batch of elevators could also be used to clean up the space junk (including the now obsolete satellites).
The counterweight platforms would be a great place for services now performed by geosync satellites. Probably you would also have major GEO platforms in areas not (yet) served by a tether. Take a tug there from the nearest tether. Would really cut down on discrete sats.
Services that need to be done away from the equator (monitoring of the surface, communications at high latitudes) would still need orbits like todays LEO sats. The same model of discrete satellites may prevail, but you might also see larger platforms housing multiple services.
We might see a tether vastly increase the amount of orbital activity, but decrease the number of discrete objects.
Services that need to be done away from the equator (monitoring of the surface, communications at high latitudes) would still need orbits like todays LEO sats. The same model of discrete satellites may prevail, but you might also see larger platforms housing multiple services.
We might see a tether vastly increase the amount of orbital activity, but decrease the number of discrete objects.