The Inevitability of the Space Elevator
- Paper number
IAC-09.D4.2.1
- Author
Dr. Bryan E. Laubscher, United States
- Year
2009
- Abstract
If we want a future in which mankind is exploring, utilizing the resources of, and settling the solar system then the Space Elevator is inevitable. In this paper the promise of the Space Elevator for inexpensive access to space is compared and contrasted to chemical and nuclear rocket technology. The issues of expendable and reusable rockets are discussed. The principles of the Space Elevator that distinguish its technology from other space access technologies are reviewed. Possible resolutions of the primary technology challenge, the carbon nanotube ribbon, are proposed. Finally a strategy for exploration using Space Elevators is presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)