The Partial Space Beanstalk: Its Application to Space Migration and Commerce
- Paper number
IAC-08.D4.2.6
- Author
Dr. Gregory L. Matloff, New York City College of Technology, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The “space elevator,” “orbital tower,” or “beanstalk” is a venerable idea in which people or payloads ride an elevator to equatorial geosynchronous orbit from Earth’s surface. If feasible, such a device would enable rapid development and habitation of the solar system. Unfortunately, materials issues and orbital space debris may limit feasibility of the classical space-elevator concept. This paper investigates application of an incomplete or partial beanstalk, with a lower terminus at a height greater than 1.000 km and therefore above more than 75% of the orbital debris. A sub-orbital rocket would be required to ferry payloads to the lower space-elevator station. Terrestrial space elevator alternatives such as the MXER tether are considered. Partial space elevators are also considered for lunar application—where orbital perturbations might render any form of space elevator impractical. In agreement with Parkinson(1975), we find that the partial-beanstalk concept might be applied on Mars, where the absence of orbital space debris and lower surface gravity alleviate terrestrial limitations. Application of partial space beanstalks on low gravity worlds such as Mars might hasten the development of solar system trading networks. Possible Martian imports and exports are discussed. This research was supported by a PSC CUNY grant during summer 2007.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D4.2.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.