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Space Elevator

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. .

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Space Elevator

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  1. Space Elevator Teresa Aguilera EDT 321 SPring 2014

  2. Overview • Current development • Structure • Implications

  3. 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. 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”

  4. Current Development 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.

  5. Structure • 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)

  6. Is it possible? 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."

  7. Implications 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

  8. The Space Elevator The Space Elevator NIAC Phase II Final Report

  9. Discussion 1. Is a Space Elevatorpure 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!)

  10. References 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

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