Space Elevator

Space Elevator

Teresa AguileraEDT 321

SPring 2014

❖ Current development

❖ Structure

❖ Implications

Overview

Inspired partly by science fiction, NASA scientists are seriously considering space elevators as a mass-transit for the next century.

Turning Science Fiction into

Reality Idea was first proposed in 1895

Popularized by Arthur C. Clark in late 1970’s in Sci-Fi novel, The Fountains of Paradise

“Bridge to the stars”

Purpose: Provide routine, safe, inexpensive and quiet access to orbit

● Requires large development programs

● $570k in funding from NIAC

● Media attention has helped the program, attracting numerous volunteers ranging from interested non-technical public to world experts in critical areas.

Current Development

➢ Debate of possibly construction in 15-50 years for $10B

➢ Current development of carbon nanotube ribbon

➢ Thin vertical cable (tether) ➢ 62,000 miles (100,000 kilometers)

➢ Elevator cars (climbers) ascend ribbon carrying cargo

➢ Combination of sunlight & laser light projected from ground to power the climbers

➢ Ground station-anchor the tether to earth- loading & unloading station (ocean platform, near equator)

Structure

Design is the most critical element in this development.

Required macromaterial needed from carbon nanotubes that will be strong enough.

LiftPort is working on building a moon-based space elevator.

"It's an essential stepping stone."

Is it possible?

Problem #1: No known material will be strong enough

Problem #2: It would be susceptible to dangerous vibrations

Problem #3: Climbers would create too much wobble

Problem #4: Satellites and space junk

Problem #5: Social and environmental risks

Implications

The Space Elevator

The Space Elevator NIAC Phase II Final Report

1. Is a Space Elevator pure sci-fi or just a technological leap from reality?

2. In your opinion, how beneficial would a space elevator be for the future of space exploration?

3. Do you believe this should be an international effort?(Let’s make space elevators not war!)

Discussion

http://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/the-space-elevator-concept/

http://www.ibtimes.com/will-laser-powered-space-elevator-become-reality-soon-275345

http://www.space.com/24739-space-elevator-tether-technology.html

References