Browsing by Author "Meulenberg, A."

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

LEO-based optical/microwave terrestrial communications
(2008) Meulenberg, A.; Suresh, R.; Ramanathan, S.
We propose an LEO-based communication system which is built by deploying a nearequatorial, circum-terra, and optic fiber (paired with a conductive fiber) along with perhaps hundreds of small (perhaps) phased-array-communications and RF-signal-transfer antennas around the earth at LEO orbits. The proposed LEO-earth connection will be through microwave links (Ku or Ka band) and ISL's through optic fiber rings. Initially the system would serve to complement existing terrestrial fiber networks, but would eventually expand into non-equatorial planes to provide global connectivity. The proposed system would make use of connectivity & broadcasting capability of satellite constellations as well as the high throughput point-to-point capability of optic fiber systems. The advantages, options, and economics of the proposed LEO optic-fiber / microwave communication system over existing terrestrial- and space-communication systems (of similar functionality) as well as the future development of the system are dealt with in the paper.
LEO-based optical/microwave terrestrial communications
(2008) Meulenberg, A.; Suresh, R.; Ramanathan, R.
We propose an LEO-based communication system which is built by deploying a nearequatorial, circum-terra, and optic fiber (paired with a conductive fiber) along with perhaps hundreds of small (perhaps) phased-array-communications and RF-signal-transfer antennas around the earth at LEO orbits. The proposed LEO-earth connection will be through microwave links (Ku or Ka band) and ISL's through optic fiber rings. Initially the system would serve to complement existing terrestrial fiber networks, but would eventually expand into non-equatorial planes to provide global connectivity. The proposed system would make use of connectivity & broadcasting capability of satellite constellations as well as the high throughput point-to-point capability of optic fiber systems. The advantages, options, and economics of the proposed LEO optic-fiber / microwave communication system over existing terrestrial- and space-communication systems (of similar functionality) as well as the future development of the system are dealt with in the paper.
Sling-on-a-ring: A realizable space elevator to leo?
(2008) Meulenberg, A.; Ramanathan, S.; Suresh, R.; Balaji, K.P.S.
In this paper, we propose a new concept of a rotovator based space elevator system called "sling-on-a-ring�". The system would consist of a high-tensile-strength equatorial circum-terra conductive fiber, associated solar-power and station-keeping units and a rotating sling module. The long sling assembly would rotate through the ring-bound mass-lifter module and would periodically descend into the atmosphere (13 km). The system would be adjusted so that at perigee, when the sling penetrates into the atmosphere, the rotational tip velocity of the sling end would almost cancel out the orbital velocity of the circum-terra ring relative to the earth's surface. With split-second timing, thepayload would be attached from an ordinary aircraft (at as low as-40000 feet) and jerked into space by the momentum of the sling. An improved version of the system (2-stage sling system) and man-rating aspects have also been discussed in the paper. Through the paper, it is intended to establish that with the availability of stronger materials, the improved version of the proposed system would be comparable to the HASTOL (in terms of tether-to-payload mass ratio), eliminating the need for hypersonic airplanes.
Sling-on-a-ring: A realizable space elevator to leo?
(2008) Meulenberg, A.; Ramanathan, R.; Suresh, R.; Balaji, K.P.S.
In this paper, we propose a new concept of a rotovator based space elevator system called "sling-on-a-ringâ„¢". The system would consist of a high-tensile-strength equatorial circum-terra conductive fiber, associated solar-power and station-keeping units and a rotating sling module. The long sling assembly would rotate through the ring-bound mass-lifter module and would periodically descend into the atmosphere (13 km). The system would be adjusted so that at perigee, when the sling penetrates into the atmosphere, the rotational tip velocity of the sling end would almost cancel out the orbital velocity of the circum-terra ring relative to the earth's surface. With split-second timing, thepayload would be attached from an ordinary aircraft (at as low as-40000 feet) and jerked into space by the momentum of the sling. An improved version of the system (2-stage sling system) and man-rating aspects have also been discussed in the paper. Through the paper, it is intended to establish that with the availability of stronger materials, the improved version of the proposed system would be comparable to the HASTOL (in terms of tether-to-payload mass ratio), eliminating the need for hypersonic airplanes.
The LEO Archipelago: A system of earth-rings for communications, mass-transport to space, solar power, and control of global warming
(2011) Meulenberg, A.; Karthik Balaji, P.S.
Mans quest to get into space is hindered by major problems (e.g., system-development and capital costs, expense of putting mass into orbit, trapped-radiation belts, and environmental impact of a large increase in rocket launches). A multi-purpose low-earth-orbit system of rings circling the earth the LEO ARCHIPELAGOTM is proposed as a means of solving or bypassing many of them. A fiber-optic ring about the earth would be an initial testing and developmental stage for the Ring Systems, while providing cash-flow through a LEO-based, high-band-width, world-wide communication system. 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 new materials, potential applications, and trade-offs associated with an earlier model. The impact of Colossal Carbon Tubes, CCT, a new material with high tensile strength, extremely-low density, and other favorable properties, and other new technologies (e.g., solar-powered lasers, power beaming to near-space and earth, and thermal-control systems) on the development of associated LEO-Ring systems is also explored. The materials effect on the timeline for the system development indicates the feasibility of near-term implementation of the system (possibly within the decade). The Sling-on-a-Ring can provide a less-expensive, environment-friendly mode of access to space. This would pave the way (via eventual operation at >1000 t per day by 2050) for large scale development of space-based technologies. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.