Space Buoys: A Low-Cost Alternative to the Space Elevator
- Paper number
IAC-05-D2.P.03
- Author
Mr. Thomas Coffee, Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
We introduce the concept of a space buoy, an orbital launch system combining the drag mitigation of lighter-than-air hybrid launchers with the linear energy consumption of electromagnetic mass drivers. Like the space elevator, this concept escapes the major physical limitations driving per-flight costs of traditional launch systems, but requires far less capital investment and promotes scalable, flexible operations. We propose an architecture built around on-demand, temporary deployment of reusable space buoys to support next-generation space launch markets with fewer technical and economic hurdles than suggested for space elevators or other hybrid launch systems. Based on an integrated cost model for development and operations, we suggest optimizations of the architecture, key technical enablers and cost drivers, and immediate steps supporting near-term deployment.
- Abstract document