Critical Technologies for the Development of Future Space Elevator Systems

Paper number

IAC-05-D4.2.04

Author

Mr. David Smitherman, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Carey Butler, Institute for Scientific Research, Inc., United States

Year

2005

Abstract

A space elevator is a tether structure extending through geostationary orbit (GEO) to the surface of the earth. Its center of mass is in GEO such that it orbits the earth in sync with the earth’s rotation.  The space elevator would be used to lift payloads on robotic climbers from the surface of the earth to GEO or beyond for delivery to its final destination. 

In 2004 and 2005, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Institute for Scientific Research, Inc. have been working under a cooperative agreement to research the feasibility of space elevator systems, and to advance the critical technologies required for the future development of space elevators for earth to orbit transportation.  The discovery of carbon nanotubes in the early 1990’s was the first indication that it might be possible to develop a material strong enough to make space elevator construction feasible. This report will present some of the latest findings on space elevator design, and the systems and materials that will be required to make space elevator construction possible. In particular it will focus on two critical aspects; overall design concepts for object avoidance, and materials requirements and development. 

The space elevator design will have to consider numerous environmental hazards, but of primary concern is its compatibility with existing orbital satellites and debris.  Design strategies will be presented showing what is believed to be the best approach toward object avoidance and the creation of an overall system that can survive impacts without catastrophic failures. In addition, structural dynamics data will be examined to quantify the material strength requirements, and the findings to date on the development of those materials.

Abstract document

IAC-05-D4.2.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-D4.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.