LEO-based space-elevator development using new materials and technologies

Abstract

A two-stage LEO-based rotovator model of the space elevator -"Sling on a RingTM was proposed at last year's conference (IAC-08-D4.1.5). Although analogous to the HASTOL (Hypersonic Airplane Space Tether Orbital Launch) system, the Sling-on-a-Ring system, using available materials and readily available subsonic aircraft, bypassed the need for hypersonic aircraft and was proposed as a near-term test bed with limited mass-lifting capabilities. Expectation of new materials (e.g. CNT) led to a timeline that projected full-capacity, man-rated, operation within 2 decades. The recent advent of an unanticipated material, Colossal Carbon Tubes (CCT) with its high tensile strength, extremely-low density, and other favorable properties, allows acceleration of the proposed Ring-system timeline. This new material, along with other new technologies, are the basis for an update of systems that can now be considered as near-future, rather than far-future, answers to some of man's needs and aspirations. This paper provides a new analysis of a single-stage Sling-on-a-Ring concept, in terms of the new high-tensile- strength, low-density material, its potential applications, and the trade offs associated with models proposed earlier. The impact of this material and new technologies (solar-powered lasers, power beaming to near-space and earth, and thermal control systems) on the associated LEO-Ring systems that are developing apace with the sling concept will also be explored.