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Space Elevator
http://forum.spaceagemag.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=425
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Author:  hitesh_m [ Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Space Elevator

http://www.spaceelevator.com/

The key advantage will be that it has infinite source of energy, being laser technology through electronics which will cost less. 8-)

Author:  JamesG [ Thu Sep 09, 2010 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

Actually you don't need to use a laser as a power transmission/thrust producer. The cable itself will generate a huge electrostatic charge from the atmosphere and the "cars" can tap into that for power. And the Moon does not rotate fast enough for a practical elevator. Luckily its gravity is so weak its not really necessary.

Very cool video though. :ugeek:

Author:  Spaced [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

Yes, really great video and website. I was also interested to see the impressive liost of orgs and universities which (it claims) are working on space elevator related projects. The video claims that the elevator could be built with exisitng technology. Is this true? I thought it would need dramatic advances in materials to make a suitable ribbon but maybe I'm wrong.

Author:  JamesG [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 2:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

It could be built with existing technologies, but how efficient and durable it would be is questionable.

The biggest hurtle to be figured out is not really the elevator itself, but how to get it in place. We have no where near enough lift capacity right now to be able to put the thousands of tons of tether and orbital station/counterweight into position to begin to lower it. And the process of deploying the tether into and thru the atmosphere to the surface is a serious technical problem that most space elevator advocates hand wave away.

Author:  Intranaut [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 2:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

And according to wikipedia the cost of nanotubes is also coming down. Admittedly that is a questionable source, but it does seem reasonable that cost would lower (it claims a drop from $1500 per gram to $50 per gram). Though with such a long tether, as light as carbon fibre materials are, how much do you think $50 per gram would cost for this tether?

Author:  hitesh_m [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

It's true that the gravity of our planet is not greater than 9.81 m/s^2, so therefore will be easier to escape not only on ground but also through the Atmosphere too, as it reduces the amount of the gravitional pulling from of course any celestial orbiting body. 8-)

A vast number of organisations and many universities are undergoing immense detail, by researching information which leads to accurate readings from materials and properties, then to share the development amongst all other institutions taking part in laser technology as well as nanotech. :idea:

In addition a range of mechanical advantages are carefuly being considered, whilst drawing plans of constructing a space elevator.

Not only will carbon fibres be reduced in cost, though many millions of carbon nanotubes will be achieved with the correct equipment and elements to produce an almost invisible brittle string. :?

Author:  Intranaut [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 6:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

That word 'brittle' worries me :P

Author:  RickLewis [ Thu Sep 30, 2010 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

Aw, where's your sense of adventure? :lol:

Author:  Intranaut [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

Red Mars had a Space Elevator and I'm going to ruin it all for you by telling you it comes down. :D The results are pretty epic to say the least. During the fall it looks like the sky is being split in two and it actually wraps around the equator twice, the carbon in the tether turning to 'brecciated diamond' during atmospheric entry.
If they ever make a movie of this book I can't wait for this scene.

Author:  JamesG [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Space Elevator

And that's why they will never build a space elevator. Everyone expects and is waiting for something terrible to happen.

Stupid Tower of Babylon mythos cultural programming....

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