Mechanics of the Space Elevator Including Deployment and Failure Modes

Paper number

IAC-07-D4.1.05

Author

Mr. Dag Evensberget, International Space University (ISU), Norway

Year

2007

Abstract

The Geostationary Space Elevator concept has been around since the dawn of the space age. Such a construction would be able to radically lower the cost of access to Earth orbit as well as escape trajectories. 
This space elevator concept will be briefly introduced, focusing on the mathematics and orbital mechanics. The self-support of a Space Elevator, optimal tapering and the minimal mass of such an object will be presented, as well as the propagation of longitudinal and transversal waves in the tether.
The proposed methods of deployment of a tether with the length required for a geostationary space elevator will be studied, focusing on stability issues. Finally potential failure modes of the space elevator will be considered.

Abstract document

IAC-07-D4.1.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D4.1.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.