Sling on a Ring: mass- and man-transport to space

Paper number

IAC-11,D4,4,6,x11696

Author

Dr. Andrew Meulenberg, Universiti Sains Malaysia, United States

Year

2011

Abstract

A Low-Earth-Orbit-based space-elevator system, ‘Sling-on-a-RingTM,’ is proposed as the crucial developmental stage of the LEO Archipelago. Being a LEO-based heavy-mass lifter,  rather than earth- or GEO-based, it is much less massive and therefore less costly than other proposed space-elevators.  With the advent of lower-cost, higher-mass transport to orbit, the options for further space development (e.g., space solar power, radiation and space-debris dampers, sun shades, and permanent LEO habitation) are greatly expanded.

This paper provides an update of the Sling-on-a-Ring concept in terms of more details, potential applications, and trade-offs associated with the concept. The impact of Colossal Carbon Tubes, CCT, a new material with high tensile strength, extremely low density, and other favorable properties, is now complemented with low-mass-density compressive structures (Tensegrity-based) needed for the structural integrity and operational safety of the mass lifter.

The ability of lifting man into LEO, in addition to cargo that can survive high-g transitions, is a theme of this paper. The means of ‘buffering’ a multi-g, multi-minute, transit from 15 to 600 km are explored with this goal in mind. The converse, getting him back by the same route is addressed. This certainly would not be a popular ‘tourist route’. However, space workers would be capable of withstanding the transit up. After many weeks or months in LEO, the return trip might be a different case.

The material’s and structure’s effect on the timeline for the system development indicates the feasibility of near-term implementation of the system (non man-rated, possibly within the decade). The Sling-on-a-Ring can provide a less-expensive, environment-friendly, mode of access to space. This system would pave the way (via eventual operation at >1000 tons and hundreds of people per day by 2050) for large scale development of space-based technologies.

Abstract document

IAC-11,D4,4,6,x11696.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,D4,4,6,x11696.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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