Why I Chose Space Elevators

• Implementation of a “space elevator” would revolutionize man’s accessibility to space the same way the automobile changed our mobility on earth’s surface. In fact, the true impact is probably beyond anyone’s speculation, much as Henry Ford didn’t truly know what he was starting.

• My research is inexorably linked to satellites, so I have more than a casual interest in how those bits of metal and silicon get launched into space.

http://www.grahamharrop.com

NanoChemistry SeminarNov. 14, 2005

http://www.spacedaily.com

Space ElevatorsJeri Brunson

Student Affiliation:Dept. of Physics, USU

http://www.clipartgallery.com

• Shuttle failure is currently2% or 1 out of every 100 flights.

• Aging orbiters – 1 of 57.

• Each launch costs around1 billion dollars

Getting To Space

Photo from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency - http://spaceinfo.jaxa.jp

Shuttle missions are now restricted to delivering payloads to the International Space Station, further diminishing the value

of their use.

Future of the Space Shuttle

http://www.alumni.umn.edu/

• Russian scientist, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, wasinspired by the Eiffel Towerin 1895.

• In 1978, science fiction author, Arthur C. Clark, wrote about carbon fiber materials that would fulfillTsiolkovsky’s vision.

New Ideas and Concepts for Space Access

r = 42,170 kmv = 3070 m/s

The weight of the cable and climbers becomes important in determining the counterweight.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu

Mechanics of Space Elevators

Photo from Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org

• The tether must be able towithstand the Earth’s atmosphereand the space environment.

• High voltages and currents develop as it cuts through the Earth’smagnetic field.

• It must be both extremely light-weight and stronger than any material now used in aerospace construction.

Building a Tether

Photo from Georgia Institute of Technology http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu

• Carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube composite materials show great promise for use in developing a space elevator.

• Potentially 100x strongerthan steel, flexible like plastic.

• Long chains could be braided together, short chains encased in a polymer matrix.

Nanotubes Get Involved

Conceptual designs from Liftport Group - http://www.liftport.com/And European Space Agency - http://www.esrin.esa.it/

Conceptual Designs

Animation property of Institute for Scientific Researchhttp://www.isr.us/SEanimation.asp

Time estimates for viable elevators range from decades to centuries.

“We’re closer now than lightyears to go.” – R.E. M.

Future of Space Elevators

Acknowledgements

• NASA

• Liftport Group

• Institute for Scientific Research

• Wikipedia.com