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Space Elevator. Teresa Aguilera EDT 321 SPring 2014. Overview. Current development Structure Implications. Turning Science Fiction into Reality. Inspired partly by science fiction, NASA scientists are seriously considering space elevators as a mass-transit for the next century. . - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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