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Stairway to Heaven? Geographies of the Space Elevator in Science Fiction
ISSN 2624-9081 • DOI 10.26034/roadsides-202000306 Stairway to Heaven? Geographies of the Space Elevator in Science Fiction Oliver Dunnett Outer space is often presented as a kind of universal global commons – a space for all humankind, against which the hopes and dreams of humanity have been projected. Yet, since the advent of spaceflight, it has become apparent that access to outer space has been limited, shaped and procured in certain ways. Geographical approaches to the study of outer space have started to interrogate the ways in which such inequalities have emerged and sustained themselves, across environmental, cultural and political registers. For example, recent studies have understood outer space as increasingly foreclosed by certain state and commercial actors (Beery 2012), have emphasised narratives of tropical difference in understanding geosynchronous equatorial satellite orbits (Dunnett 2019) and, more broadly, have conceptualised the Solar System as part of Earth’s environment (Degroot 2017). It is clear from this and related literature that various types of infrastructure have been a significant part of the uneven geographies of outer space, whether in terms of long-established spaceports (Redfield 2000), anticipatory infrastructures (Gorman 2009) or redundant space hardware orbiting Earth as debris (Klinger 2019). collection no. 003 • Infrastructure on/off Earth Roadsides Stairway to Heaven? 43 Having been the subject of speculation in both engineering and science-fictional discourses for many decades, the space elevator has more recently been promoted as a “revolutionary and efficient way to space for all humanity” (ISEC 2017). The concept involves a tether lowered from a position in geostationary orbit to a point on Earth’s equator, along which an elevator can ascend and arrive in orbit. -
NIAC 2002-2003 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................................................1 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Summary ................................................................................................................................................................2 Call for Proposals CP 01-01 (Phase II)...................................................................................................................2 Call for Proposals CP 01-02 (Phase I)....................................................................................................................3 Call for Proposals CP 02-01 (Phase II)...................................................................................................................4 Call for Proposals CP 02-02 (Phase I)....................................................................................................................5 Phase II Site Visits..................................................................................................................................................5 Infusion of Advanced Concepts into NASA.............................................................................................................6 Survey of Technologies to Enable NIAC Concepts.................................................................................................8 Special Recognition for NIAC Concept ...................................................................................................................9 -
Lunar Space Elevator Infrastructure
Lunar Space Elevator Infrastructure A Cost Saving Approach to Human Spaceflight within a 15-year Constrained NASA Budget White Paper Submitted at the Open Invitation of the National Research Council 2013 Lunar Space Elevator Infrastructure In Response to the National Research Council’s Study on the Benefits, Challenges and Ramifications of America’s Human Spaceflight Program. LiftPort Group presents a Cost-Effective Approach to Human Spaceflight within a 15-year Constrained NASA Budget. | MICHAEL LAINE – PRESIDENT, LIFTPORT GROUP | CHARLES RADLEY MSC., – ADVISOR, LIFTPORT GROUP | MARSHALL EUBANKS MSC., – ADVISOR, LIFTPORT GROUP | JEROME PEARSON MSC., – ADVISOR, LIFTPORT GROUP | PETER SWAN PHD., – ADVISOR, LIFTPORT GROUP | LEE GRAHAM (NASA – HIS VIEWS DO NOT REFLECT HIS EMPLOYER) | | 8 JULY 2013 | LIFTPORT GROUP | 1307 Dogwood Hill RD SW, Port Orchard, WA, 98366 | www.liftport.com | (862) 438-5383 | [email protected] LiftPort’s Lunar Space Elevator Infrastructure: Affordable Response to Human Spaceflight What are the important benefits provided to the United States and other countries by human spaceflight endeavors? The ability to place humans in space is exciting to the public, and demonstrates the technological maturity and stature of each spacefaring nation. Such a visible and peaceful demonstration of cutting edge technology fosters foreign policy by showing Page | 1 strength without engaging in conflicti. Human spaceflight sparks the imagination and serves an instinctive need to explore. Astronauts are ambassadors for all of humanity in a very personal way. Men and women in space suits inspire people – of all cultures and demographics – to achieve excellence, to believe in a common cause and to pursue a noble goal. -
SPEAKERS TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE FAA COMMERCIAL SPACE 15TH ANNUAL John R
15TH ANNUAL FAA COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE SPEAKERS COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION http://www.faa.gov/go/ast 15-16 FEBRUARY 2012 HQ-12-0163.INDD John R. Allen Christine Anderson Dr. John R. Allen serves as the Program Executive for Crew Health Christine Anderson is the Executive Director of the New Mexico and Safety at NASA Headquarters, Washington DC, where he Spaceport Authority. She is responsible for the development oversees the space medicine activities conducted at the Johnson and operation of the first purpose-built commercial spaceport-- Space Center, Houston, Texas. Dr. Allen received a B.A. in Speech Spaceport America. She is a recently retired Air Force civilian Communication from the University of Maryland (1975), a M.A. with 30 years service. She was a member of the Senior Executive in Audiology/Speech Pathology from The Catholic University Service, the civilian equivalent of the military rank of General of America (1977), and a Ph.D. in Audiology and Bioacoustics officer. Anderson was the founding Director of the Space from Baylor College of Medicine (1996). Upon completion of Vehicles Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland his Master’s degree, he worked for the Easter Seals Treatment Air Force Base, New Mexico. She also served as the Director Center in Rockville, Maryland as an audiologist and speech- of the Space Technology Directorate at the Air Force Phillips language pathologist and received certification in both areas. Laboratory at Kirtland, and as the Director of the Military Satellite He joined the US Air Force in 1980, serving as Chief, Audiology Communications Joint Program Office at the Air Force Space at Andrews AFB, Maryland, and at the Wiesbaden Medical and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles where she directed Center, Germany, and as Chief, Otolaryngology Services at the the development, acquisition and execution of a $50 billion Aeromedical Consultation Service, Brooks AFB, Texas, where portfolio. -
Greetings Members and Friends of EAA Chapter 866
Dunn Airpark approx.. 1 mile west Landing This is Chain of Lakes Park behind Parrish Hospital. Dunn Airpark flyers take note, one of ours used this to land on NO damage done to plane or anything on the ground! Commendable! Greetings Members and Friends of EAA Chapter 866, Les Boatright Happy Early Independence Day!! I hope you all have a Happy, Safe, and Fun-Filled Fourth of July! With all the long hours of daylight, this is a great time of year to do some aviating, just make sure you steer clear of the “Bombs Bursting in Air” and other Independence Day Holiday Hazards. But most of all, don’t forget that we’ll be serving up some Firecracker Hot Flap-Jacks on the morning Saturday July 1st. I hope to see you all there! PANTHER UPDATE As most of you know, since the beginning of the year I’ve been working with two other chapter members, your V.P. Ed Brennan, and also Bob Rychel to build a Panther Light Sport Aircraft. One of the great things about building this airplane is the fact that it gives me something else to write about in the monthly chapter newsletter. That reminds me . You other builders out there who have some amazing projects underway, we’d love to read something about your projects too. Tell us how they’re coming along, and send a few pictures. I know there are at least a dozen active builder projects in our chapter right now with at least 3 that are close to being finished. -
Bare Tape Tether Scaling Laws
Departamento de F´ısica Aplicada a la Ingenier´ıa Aeronautica´ Escuela Tecnica´ Superior de Ingenieros Aeronauticos´ Bare-tape scaling laws for de-orbit missions in a space debris environment Tesis Doctoral SHAKER BAYAJID KHAN Ingeniero Mecanico´ DIRECTOR JUAN R. SANMART´IN Doctor Ingeniero Aeronautico´ & GONZALO SANCHEZ´ ARRIAGA Doctor Ingeniero Aeronautico´ Madrid, 2014 "সোেচর িবলতা িনেজের অপমান। সেটর ক1নােত হােয়া না িয়মাণ। - মু8 কেরা ভয়, আপনা মােঝ শি8 ধেরা, িনেজের কেরা জয়।" --- রবীনাথ ঠাকু র “Never be demoralized in hesitance In the reason of danger, never lagged behind Release yourself from fear Stand upright, win over thyself with strength.” ---Rabindranath Tagore Tribunal nombrado por el Sr. Rector Magfco. de la Universidad Polit´ecnica de Madrid, el d´ıa ...... de ............... de 2014. Presidente: .............................. Vocal: .................................... Vocal: .................................... Vocal: .................................... Secretario: ................................. Suplente:................................. Suplente: ................................. Realizado el acto de defensa y lectura de la Tesis el d´ıa .... de........ de 2014 en la E.T.S.I. Aeronauticos.´ Calificac´ıon ................................................... EL PRESIDENTE LOS VOCALES EL SECRETARIO Acknowledgements To my Parents It gives me great pleasure in expressing my sincere gratitude to all those people who have supported me and had their contributions in making this thesis possible. First and foremost, I would never have accomplished my achievements upto this point without the unconditional sacrifice and endless support from my parents. Starting from the very beginning of my childhood days, with her stories of admiral Nelson, my mother deserves special acknowledgement for giving me the unyielding mindset, that eventually became a key virtue to lead me through the barriers. -
Tensile Strength of C/C Composites
16 TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS TENSILE STRENGTH OF C/C COMPOSITES Jun Koyanagi*, Hiroshi Hatta*, Yasuo Kogo**, Ichiro Shiota*** *Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, **Department of Materials Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science *** Department of Materials Science and Technology, Kogakuin University Keywords : C/C composites, tensile strength, fracture mechanism ABSTRACT changing heat treatment temperature, and the tensile Fracture mechanism and model based on it in strength and interfacial strength were measured. In Carbon-carbon composites are studied. Interfacial addition, comparing these results with their fracture strength between reinforcing fiber and matrix is a patterns, a tensile fracture model of C/Cs was potential candidate governing the tensile fracture of proposed. C/Cs. However, The mechanisms connecting the tensile strength and the factor have not yet been 2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE clarified. In the present study, tensile fracture 2.1 Materials patterns of various C/C composites with changing Two types of C/Cs were examined. These the interfacial strength were observed in detail, and C/Cs were different only in their reinforcing fibers, a fundamental tensile fracture model of C/C K321 and K633 by Mitsubishi Sanshi Co. Japan. composites in accordance with the experimental These fibers were fabricated from the same observations were proposed. The analytical result precursor but differed only in HTT. Hereafter, the shows reasonable agreement with the experimental C/Cs reinforced with K321 and K633 will be results, and verifies that the fracture mechanism is referred to as K321-C/C and K633-C/C, respectively. consistent. Both C/Cs were of a symmetric 0°/90° cross-ply lamination, fabricated from carbon fiber reinforced phenolic resin matrix composites, CFRPs, with a 1. -
Thesis the Effects of a Realistic Hollow Cathode
THESIS THE EFFECTS OF A REALISTIC HOLLOW CATHODE PLASMA CONTACTOR MODEL ON THE SIMULATION OF BARE ELECTRODYNAMIC TETHER SYSTEMS Submitted by Derek M. Blash Department of Mechanical Engineering In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the Degree of Master of Science Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Fall 2013 Master's Committee: Advisor: John D. Williams Thomas H. Bradley Raymond S. Robinson Copyright by Derek Blash 2013 All Rights Reserved Abstract THE EFFECTS OF A REALISTIC HOLLOW CATHODE PLASMA CONTACTOR MODEL ON THE SIMULATION OF BARE ELECTRODYNAMIC TETHER SYSTEMS The region known as Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) has become populated with artificial satel- lites and space debris since humanities initial venture into the region. This has turned LEO into a hazardous region. Since LEO is very valuable to many different countries, there has been a push to prevent further buildup and talk of even deorbiting spent satellites and de- bris already in LEO. One of the more attractive concepts available for deorbiting debris and spent satellites is a Bare Electrodynamic Tether (BET). A BET is a propellantless propul- sion technique in which two objects are joined together by a thin conducting material. When these tethered objects are placed in LEO, the tether sweeps across the magnetic field lines of the Earth and induces an electromotive force (emf ) along the tether. Current from the space plasma is collected on the bare tether under the action of the induced emf, and this current interacts with the Earth's magnetic field to create a drag force that can be used to deorbit spent satellites and space debris. -
NASA's Centennial Challenge for 3D-Printed Habitat
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20180006397 2019-08-31T18:36:43+00:00Z NASA’s Centennial Challenge for 3D-Printed Habitat: Phase II Outcomes and Phase III Competition Overview Prater, T.J.1, T. Kim2, M. Roman2, R. Mueller3 1NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Materials and Processes Laboratory 2NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Centennial Challenges Program Office 3NASA, Kennedy Space Center, Senior Technologist The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is part of NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program. NASA’s Centennial Challenges seek to accelerate innovation in aerospace technology development through public competitions. The 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, launched in 2015, is part of the Centennial Challenges portfolio and focuses on habitat design and development of large-scale additive construction systems capable of fabricating structures from in situ materials and/or mission recyclables. The challenge is a partnership between NASA, Caterpillar (primary sponsor), Bechtel, Brick and Mortar Ventures, and Bradley University. Phase I of the challenge was an architectural concept competition in which participants generated conceptual renderings of habitats on Mars which could be constructed using locally available resources. Phase II asked teams to develop the printing systems and material formulations needed to translate these designs into reality. Work under the phase II competition, which concluded in August 2017 with a head to head competition at Caterpillar’s Edward Demonstration Facility in Peoria, Illinois, is discussed, including the key technology development outcomes resulting from this portion of the competition. The phase III competition consists of both virtual and construction subcompetitions. Virtual construction asks teams to render high fidelity architectural models of a habitat and all the accompanying information required for construction of the pressure retaining and load bearing portions of the structure. -
The Space Elevator Development Program
55th International Astronautical Congress 2004 - Vancouver, Canada IAC-04-IAA.3.8.2.01 THE SPACE ELEVATOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Bradley C. Edwards Carbon Designs, Inc., United States [email protected] ABSTRACT For 40 years, the space elevator has been a concept in science fiction and appearing occasionally in technical journals. Versions of the space elevator concept have generally been megalithic in design. However, recent advances in technology and new designs for an initial space elevator have presented a much smaller and a more realistic version that has created a renewed interest in serious technical study. There are now over a dozen entities and hundreds of engineers and scientists with active research related to the space elevator. The activity includes conferences, engineering competitions, extensive media coverage, international collaborations, publications and private investment. These activities are rapidly expanding with the number of publications in 2004 nearly ten times the total for the prior forty years. INTRODUCTION The space elevator concept has been around for spacecraft, the power delivery system, many years (Tower of Babel, Jack and the challenges to the system, etc. Beanstalk, Clarke’s Fountains of Paradise, Robinson’s Red Mars) and between 1960 and The basic design presented in the NIAC work 1999 a few technical studies addressed the has stressed simplicity – a single, small, static basics of the system (Moravec, 1977; Isaacs, ribbon with mechanical climbers that ascend 1966; Pearson, 1975; Smitherman, 2000). These using conventional electric motors (figure 1). studies addressed the oscillations inherit in the The design implements conventional technology system, the taper requirements, and the general with little or no development wherever possible. -
Space Technology Mission Directorate Briefing
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Technology Mission Directorate Briefing AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites Presented by: Dr. Michael Gazarik Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate August 12, 2013 www.nasa.gov/spacetech Why Invest in Space Technology? • Enables a new class of NASA missions Addresses National Needs beyond low Earth Orbit. A generation of studies and reports • Delivers innovative solutions that (40+ since 1980) document the need dramatically improve technological for regular investment in new, capabilities for NASA and the Nation. transformative space • Develops technologies and capabilities that technologies. make NASA’s missions more affordable and more reliable. • Invests in the economy by creating markets and spurring innovation for traditional and emerging aerospace business. • Engages the brightest minds from academia in solving NASA’s tough technological challenges. Who: Value to NASA Value to the Nation The NASA Workforce Academia Industry & Small Businesses Other Government Agencies The Broader Aerospace Enterprise 2 Challenges for Deep Space Exploration Trends in Space Technology Space Technology Portfolio Early Stage Innovation Technology Technology Technology Crosscutting Game Changing Small Spacecraft Breakthroughs Demonstration Transformative & Transformative Development (ETD/CSTD) Missions (ETD/CSTD) Technologies (CSTD) Concepts/ Concepts/ Pioneering Pioneering Innovation Innovation Developing Developing Community NASA Innovative Space Technology Center Innovation -
Asteroid Retrieval Feasibility Study
Asteroid Retrieval Feasibility Study 2 April 2012 Prepared for the: Keck Institute for Space Studies California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California 1 2 Authors and Study Participants NAME Organization E-Mail Signature John Brophy Co-Leader / NASA JPL / Caltech [email protected] Fred Culick Co-Leader / Caltech [email protected] Co -Leader / The Planetary Louis Friedman [email protected] Society Carlton Allen NASA JSC [email protected] David Baughman Naval Postgraduate School [email protected] NASA ARC/Carnegie Mellon Julie Bellerose [email protected] University Bruce Betts The Planetary Society [email protected] Mike Brown Caltech [email protected] Michael Busch UCLA [email protected] John Casani NASA JPL [email protected] Marcello Coradini ESA [email protected] John Dankanich NASA GRC [email protected] Paul Dimotakis Caltech [email protected] Harvard -Smithsonian Center for Martin Elvis [email protected] Astrophysics Ian Garrick-Bethel UCSC [email protected] Bob Gershman NASA JPL [email protected] Florida Institute for Human and Tom Jones [email protected] Machine Cognition Damon Landau NASA JPL [email protected] Chris Lewicki Arkyd Astronautics [email protected] John Lewis University of Arizona [email protected] Pedro Llanos USC [email protected] Mark Lupisella NASA GSFC [email protected] Dan Mazanek NASA LaRC [email protected] Prakhar Mehrotra Caltech [email protected]