Extra-Terrestrial Space Elevators and the NASA 2050 Strategic Vision (original) (raw)
THE ACCELERATION OF THE HUMAN EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM WITH SPACE ELEVATORS
Proceedings, 2012 Global Space Exploration Summit, paper GLEX-2012.02.P .2x12186, 2012
Space Elevators are not a new idea, the original concept dating back to Tsilokovsky, but are not commonly considered in near-term plans for space exploration. While a Terrestrial elevator would require substantial improvements in tether material, a Martian Space Elevator (MSE) or a Lunar Space Elevator (LSE) would not, and there are currently possible elevator missions that would enhance the exploration of the solar system. This paper considers two proposed missions leading to a infrastructure capable of supporting human exploration, shortening the time and lowering the cost required for exploration and enhancing the capabilities of robotic and human explorers. Both missions use planetary scale tethers, strings many thousands of kilometers long stabilized either by rotation or by gravitational gradients.
Hein, A.: “Impact analysis of the space elevator on space activities”
This paper analyses the impact of a hypothetical space elevator on different areas of space activities. The space elevator promises to drastically reduce space transportation costs and greatly facilitate the access to space and is often proposed as a mean to vastly increase the scope and amount of space activities. In order to investigate this claim, first, the cost structure of current space missions is analysed and the impact of an idealized space elevator evaluated, in order to explore the whole range of possible benefits. The idealized elevator is capable of delivering any spacecraft mass and volume into space, its usage is for free and it is 100% reliable. The maximum potential for space mission cost reduction is estimated. Second, current and proposed future space missions are analysed with respect to the existence of an “ideal” space elevator. For current activities, probable benefits are assessed and for future activities, the change in potential feasibility estimated.
Space Elevators: A Feasible Solution for Sending People and Goods into Space More Cost Effectively
— The Present study focuses on the fascinating concept of Space Elevators. Object of this study is to get introduced with every aspect in Designing, Working & Construction of Space Elevators. It " s a concept in which tether is used to uplift any type of cargo or personnel from Earth surface to an orbit in space. Such invention not only becomes the new path for heavy loads to get into space but also becomes a cheap one. Also from the top of it, loads can be launch in any desired direction. By this not only the cost of the launch through rocket gets reduced but also the personnel handling this launch i.e. reduction of human error too. Perfect suitable material for such operation is Carbon Nano-tube which hundred times stronger and ten times lighter then Steel. In coming 50 years, it might be possible that many space elevators are ready to launch the spacecraft in space. Its application is not just only limited to the launching but also it can help in carrying heavy payloads to International Space Stations. It simply can give access to space for scientific, commercial & military purposes.
Advocates of the space elevator predict a drastic reduction of space transportation cost and the possibility to transport large payload masses and volumes into space. A more detailed assessment of the effects from this space transportation system on the design of spacecrafts is still missing. The space segment, including spacecrafts, is the first element of the space economy value chain. An improvement in this area may lead to an increased value flow and lower cost. From relevant attributes, which distinguish a space elevator from conventional launch systems from a customer perspective, possible implications for spacecraft design and consequences for the space economy are derived. Preconditions for profiting from the full range of benefits are identified. It is shown that a realization of this novel transportation system would rather gradually change the situation of the space economy, until it has proven its reliability and advantages to potential investors.
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 strength without engaging in conflict i . 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. Furthermore, humans in space have unique abilities and attributes (eyes, fingers, and onsite reasoning) to pursue scientific research and commercial development that cannot be achieved by robotic means. American leadership, as demonstrated by the continuous success of human...
Lunar Space Elevators for CisLunar Transportation
Lunar space elevators could revolutionize the development of the Moon. The lunar space elevator system allows solar-powered robotic vehicles to climb a high-strength composite ribbon from the lunar surface to beyond the L1 Lagrangian point, where payloads of lunar resources could be released into Earth orbit for major space construction projects. The overall system concept includes the lunar space elevator, a robotic construction system for the components, and robotic vehicles to carry lunar products into Earth orbit for construction and for upper stage propellant, and Earth-orbit payloads to the lunar surface for lunar habitat supplies. The construction system creates building blocks from lunar materials, using automated assembly and wire forming to construct complex shapes. The lunar space elevators provide non-rocket transportation of these lunar products from polar and equatorial mining sites into Earth orbit. This architecture is a new way to create a lunar base for robotic and human operations on the surface. A lunar space elevator using existing high-strength composites with a lifting capacity of 2000 N at the base equipped with solar-powered capsules moving at 100 km/hour could lift 584,000 kg/yr of lunar material into high Earth orbit. Since launch costs twenty years from now may be $1,000/kg, this material would be worth half a billion dollars per year, creating a new era of space development.
Future Space Transportation Technology: Prospects and Priorities
AIAA Space 2003 Conference & Exposition, 2003
The Transportation Working Group (TWG) was chartered by the NASA Exploration Team (NEXT) to conceptualize, define, and advocate within NASA the space transportation architectures and technologies required to enable the human and robotic exploration and development of' space envisioned by the NEXT. In 2002, the NEXT tasked the TWG to assess exploration space transportation requirements versus current and prospective Earth-to-Orbit (ETO) and in-space transportation systems, technologies, and rcsearch, i n order to identify investment gaps and recommend priorities. The result was a study nom' being incorporatcd into future planning by the NASA Space Architect and supporting organizations. This papcr documents the process used to identify exploration space transportation investment gaps ;IS well as tlie group's recommendations for closing these gaps and prioritizing areas of future investment for NASA work on advanced propulsion systems.
Space Colonization Using Space-Elevators from Phobos
AIP Conference Proceedings
A novel approach is examined for creating an industrial civilization beyond Earth. The approach would take advantage of the unique configuration of Mars and its moon Phobos to make a transportation system capable of raising mass from the surface of Mars to space at a low cost. Mars would be used as the primary location for support personnel and infrastructure. Phobos would be used as a source of raw materials for space-based activity, and as an anchor for tethered carbon-nanotube-based space-elevators. One space-elevator would terminate at the upper edge of Mars' atmosphere. Small craft would be launched from Mars' surface to rendezvous with the moving elevator tip and their payloads detached and raised with solar powered loop elevators to Phobos. Another space-elevator would be extended outward from Phobos to launch craft toward the Earth/Moon system or the asteroid belt. The outward tip would also be used to catch arriving craft. This approach would allow Mars to be colonized, and allow transportation of people and supplies from Mars to support the space industry. In addition, large quantities of material obtained from Phobos could be used to construct space habitats and also supply propellant and material for space industry in the Earth/Moon system as well as around Mars.