General and Debris Hazards Evaluation for Future Space Elevators
- Paper number
IAC-05-D4.P.04
- Author
Dr. Radu Rugescu, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania
- Year
2005
- Abstract
ABSTRACT Accumulating space debris around Earth stand as known hazards for future tether systems and the Space Elevator in particular. More general hazards are also to be accounted. Some investigations are presented based on existing data on space debris. The investigation is focused on the potential impact of debris avoidance on the design and cost of future space elevators. Recent events with space debris, developed during Space Shuttle and ISS flights are considered in order to evaluate the challenge over long time survival, anchored elevator systems. Those events were recorded during deployment phases of a number of small, tethered satellites deployed on board of the Space Shuttle in recent years. Avoidance techniques involve powered maneuvers and induce a dynamic response of the tether as they induce additional costs of operation, that must be taken into account. Other aspects investigated are related to: - long-stay hazards from radiation. - Long-stay small/large debris effects. - Debris related maintenance problems. - Dynamic behavior under powered control of motion. - Failure procedures during ascent and coast. - Innovative materials for recovery from small impacts. Although near-Earth space debris could not present a strong hazard for the future Earth based space elevator systems, some solutions and evaluation criteria are investigated in order to mitigate these effects. END OF ABSTRACT
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D4.P.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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