Space Elevators: an Advanced Earth-Space Infrastructure for the New Millennium
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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. -
Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion
NAS5-03110-07605-003-050 Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion Nestor R. Voronka, Robert P. Hoyt, Jeff Slostad, Brian E. Gilchrist (UMich/EDA), Keith Fuhrhop (UMich) Tethers Unlimited, Inc. 11807 N. Creek Pkwy S., Suite B-102 Bothell, WA 98011 Period of Performance: 1 September 2005 through 30 April 2006 Report Date: 1 May 2006 Phase I Final Report Contract: NAS5-03110 Subaward: 07605-003-050 Prepared for: NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts Universities Space Research Association Atlanta, GA 30308 NAS5-03110-07605-003-050 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................................1 TABLE OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................................2 I. PHASE I SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................4 I.A. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................4 I.B. MOTIVATION .................................................................................................................................................4 I.C. ELECTRODYNAMIC PROPULSION...................................................................................................................5 I.D. INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL -
The Space Elevator NIAC Phase II Final Report March 1, 2003
The Space Elevator NIAC Phase II Final Report March 1, 2003 Bradley C. Edwards, Ph.D. Eureka Scientific [email protected] The Space Elevator NIAC Phase II Final Report Executive Summary This document in combination with the book The Space Elevator (Edwards and Westling, 2003) summarizes the work done under a NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts Phase II grant to develop the space elevator. The effort was led by Bradley C. Edwards, Ph.D. and involved more than 20 institutions and 50 participants at some level. The objective of this program was to produce an initial design for a space elevator using current or near-term technology and evaluate the effort yet required prior to construction of the first space elevator. Prior to our effort little quantitative analysis had been completed on the space elevator concept. Our effort examined all aspects of the design, construction, deployment and operation of a space elevator. The studies were quantitative and detailed, highlighting problems and establishing solutions throughout. It was found that the space elevator could be constructed using existing technology with the exception of the high-strength material required. Our study has also found that the high-strength material required is currently under development and expected to be available in 2 years. Accepted estimates were that the space elevator could not be built for at least 300 years. Colleagues have stated that based on our effort an elevator could be operational in 30 to 50 years. Our estimate is that the space elevator could be operational in 15 years for $10B. In any case, our effort has enabled researchers and engineers to debate the possibility of a space elevator operating in 15 to 50 years rather than 300. -
9.0 BACKGROUND “What Do I Do First?” You Need to Research a Card (Thruster Or 9.1 DESIGNER’S NOTES Robonaut) with a Low Fuel Consumption
9.2 TIPS FOR INEXPERIENCED ROCKET CADETS 9.0 BACKGROUND “What do I do first?” You need to research a card (thruster or 9.1 DESIGNER’S NOTES robonaut) with a low fuel consumption. A “1” is great, a “4” The original concept for this game was a “Lords of the Sierra Madre” in is marginal. The PRC player*** can consider an dash to space. With mines, ranches, smelters, and rail lines all purchased and claim Hellas Basin on Mars, using just his crew card. He controlled by different players, who have to negotiate between them- needs 19 fuel steps (6 WT) along the red route to do this. selves to expand. But space does not work this way. “What does my rocket need?” Your rocket needs 4 things: Suppose you have a smelter on one main-belt asteroid, powered by a • A card with a thruster triangle (2.4D) to act as a thruster. • A card with an ISRU rating, if its mission is to prospect. beam-station on another asteroid, and you discover platinum on a third • A refinery, if its mission is to build a factory. nearby asteroid. Unfortunately for long-term operations, next year these • Enough fuel to get to the destination. asteroids will be separated by 2 to 6 AUs.* Furthermore, main belt Decide between a small rocket able to make multiple claims, Hohmann transfers are about 2 years long, with optimal transfer opportu- or a big rocket including a refinery and robonaut able to nities about 7 years apart. Jerry Pournelle in his book “A Step Farther industrialize the first successful claim. -
Stable Orbits of Rigid, Rotating, Precessing, Massive Rings
Stable Orbits of Rigid, Rotating, Precessing, Massive Rings Edward D. Rippert Whitehawk Systems, 3 Whitehawk Circle, Boise, ID, 83716, USA. [email protected] The dynamics of a rigid, rotating, precessing, massive ring orbiting a point mass within the perimeter of the ring are considered. It is demonstrated that orbits dynamically stable against perturbations in three dimensions exist for a range of rigid body rotation parameters of the ring. Previous analysis and some well-known works of fiction have considered the stability of both rigid and flexible, non-precessing ring systems and found that they are unstable in the plane of the ring unless an active stabilization system is employed. There does not appear to be any analyses previously published considering rigid body precession of such a system or that demonstrate passive stability in three dimensions. Deviations from perfect rigidity and possible applications of such a system are discussed. Keywords: Orbital Ring, Ring World, Stability, Precession, Magic Angle I. Introduction Solid rings rotating about a central mass have been considered for various applications ranging from a ring of geosynchronous satellites around the Earth [1] (Polyakov-Ring) to fictional accounts of a gigantic artificial habitat around a star rotating to provide artificial gravity [2] (Niven-Ring). A Polyakov-Ring rotates at or slightly above the orbital speed at its distance from the central mass. As such it lacks significant tension on the ring and is a flexible structure. It has been shown that such a structure is unstable against perturbations in the plane of the ring but can be stabilized by a feedback control system controlling the local length of ring segments [3]. -
Cislunar Tether Transport System
FINAL REPORT on NIAC Phase I Contract 07600-011 with NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts, Universities Space Research Association CISLUNAR TETHER TRANSPORT SYSTEM Report submitted by: TETHERS UNLIMITED, INC. 8114 Pebble Ct., Clinton WA 98236-9240 Phone: (206) 306-0400 Fax: -0537 email: [email protected] www.tethers.com Report dated: May 30, 1999 Period of Performance: November 1, 1998 to April 30, 1999 PROJECT SUMMARY PHASE I CONTRACT NUMBER NIAC-07600-011 TITLE OF PROJECT CISLUNAR TETHER TRANSPORT SYSTEM NAME AND ADDRESS OF PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip Tethers Unlimited, Inc. 8114 Pebble Ct., Clinton WA 98236-9240 [email protected] PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Robert P. Hoyt, Ph.D. ABSTRACT The Phase I effort developed a design for a space systems architecture for repeatedly transporting payloads between low Earth orbit and the surface of the moon without significant use of propellant. This architecture consists of one rotating tether in elliptical, equatorial Earth orbit and a second rotating tether in a circular low lunar orbit. The Earth-orbit tether picks up a payload from a circular low Earth orbit and tosses it into a minimal-energy lunar transfer orbit. When the payload arrives at the Moon, the lunar tether catches it and deposits it on the surface of the Moon. Simultaneously, the lunar tether picks up a lunar payload to be sent down to the Earth orbit tether. By transporting equal masses to and from the Moon, the orbital energy and momentum of the system can be conserved, eliminating the need for transfer propellant. Using currently available high-strength tether materials, this system could be built with a total mass of less than 28 times the mass of the payloads it can transport. -
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] -
Integrated Lunar Transportation System
Integrated Lunar Transportation System Jerome Pearson1, John C. Oldson2, Eugene M. Levin3, and Harry Wykes4 Star Technology and Research, Inc., Mount Pleasant, SC, 29466 An integrated transportation system is proposed from the lunar poles to Earth orbit, using solar-powered electric vehicles on lunar tramways, highways, and a lunar space elevator. The system could transport large amounts of lunar resources to Earth orbit for construction, radiation shielding, and propellant depots, and could supply lunar equatorial, polar, and mining bases with manufactured items. We present a system for lunar surface transport using “cars, trucks, and trains,” and the infrastructure of “roads, highways, and tramways,” connecting with the lunar space elevator for transport to Earth orbit. The Apollo Lunar Rovers demonstrated a battery- powered range of nearly 50 kilometers, but they also uncovered the problems of lunar dust. For building dustless highways, it appears particularly attractive to create paved roads by using microwaves to sinter lunar dust into a hard surface. For tramways, tall towers can support high- strength ribbons that carry cable cars over the lunar craters; the ribbon might even be fabricated from lunar materials. We address the power and energy storage requirements for lunar transportation vehicles, the design and effectiveness of lunar tramways, and the materials requirements for the support ribbons of lunar tramways and lunar space elevators. 1. Introduction NASA is implementing a plan for a return to the Moon, which will build on and expand the capabilities demonstrated during the Apollo landings. The plan includes long-duration lunar stays, lunar outposts and bases, and exploitation of lunar resources on the Moon and in Earth orbit1. -
Graphene Infused Space Industry a Discussion About Graphene
Graphene infused space industry a discussion about graphene NASA Commercial Space Lecture Series Our agenda today Debbie Nelson The Nixene Journal Rob Whieldon Introduction to graphene and Powder applications Adrian Nixon State of the art sheet graphene manufacturing technology Interactive session: Ask anything you like Rob Whieldon Adrian Nixon Debbie Nelson American Graphene Summit Washington D.C. 2019 https://www.nixenepublishing.com/nixene-publishing-team/ Who we are Rob Whieldon Rob Whieldon is Operations Director for Nixene Publishing having spent over 20 years supporting businesses in the SME community in the UK. He was the Executive Director of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Adrian Nixon Debbie Nelson programme in Yorkshire and Humber and Adrian began his career as a scientist and is a Chartered Chemist and Debbie has over two decades is the former Director of Small Business Member of the Royal Society of experience in both face-forward and Programmes at Leeds University Business Chemistry. He has over 20 years online networking. She is active with School. He is a Gold Award winner from experience in industry working at ongoing NASA Social activities, and the UK Government Small Business Allied Colloids plc, an international enjoyed covering the Orion capsule Charter initiative and a holder of the EFMD chemicals company (now part of water test and Apollo 50th (European Framework for Management BASF). Adrian is the CEO and Editor anniversary events at Marshall Development) Excellence in Practice in Chief of Nixene Publishing, which Space Center. Debbie serves as Award. More recently he was a judge for he established in the UK in 2017.