What is Space Elevator and How does it Work-2

What is Space Elevator and How does it Work (part 2)

Learn about the history of space elevator and its basic concepts in the first part. Explanation: What is Space Elevator and How does it Work-(part 1)

How to send a space elevator to the top:

Although the ribbon of the space elevator is still in the concept stage, other parts of it such as robotic lifters, anchor stations and power beaming systems can be made using known technology.

Lifter:

The robotic lifter will use the ribbon to guide its ascent into space. The traction-trade rollers of the lifter will be attached to the ribbon and pulling the ribbon will help the lifter to rise.

Anchor station:

The space elevator will launch from a mobile platform in the equatorial Pacific region, which will anchor the ribbon to Earth.

Counterweight:

There will be a counterweight at the top of the ribbon. The initial plan for the space elevator is to trap an asteroid and use it as a counterweight. Recently, however, Liftport and the Institute for Scientific Research (ISR) have included plans to use man-made counterweights.

Power beam:

The lift will be powered by a free-electron laser system at or near the anchor station. According to ISR, the laser will emit 2.4 megawatts of energy into the photovoltaic cells, which are planned to be made of gallium arsenide and attached to the lifter. It will later convert this energy into electrical energy.

Once turned on, the lifters will be able to move in the elevator almost every day. The lifters will vary in size from 5 tons to 20 tons. The 20 tonne lift is capable of carrying up to 13 tons and has a space of 900 cubic meters. The lift can carry loads at a speed of 116 miles per hour (190 kilometers per hour).

Maintenance of space elevator:

The 62,000 mile (100,000 km) length space elevator can be exposed to a variety of risks, such as weather, space debris, or terrorist attacks. Therefore, as the design of the elevator is being improved, these risk factors are also being kept in mind.

The developers have planned to build multiple elevators so that a space elevator is in operation almost always. Each elevator will be cheaper than the previous one. The first elevator will serve as the platform from which more elevators will be built. In this work, the developers are making sure that even if one elevator encounters a problem, the others remain active.

Like space stations or space shuttles, space elevators require the ability to avoid various objects in orbit, such as debris or satellites. In this case the anchored platform will work to protect the space elevator from these objects. Currently, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) can detect objects larger than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches). Securing the elevator requires a tracking system that can detect objects up to about 1 centimeter in size. This technology is currently under development for other space projects.

“Our plan is to anchor the ribbon on a moving platform at sea,” said Tom Newsent of Liftport. This will allow you to move the anchor and move the ribbon out of the way of the satellite. ”

This isolated location will be the biggest factor in reducing the risk of terrorist attacks. For example, according to Liftport, the first anchor will be 404 miles (650 kilometers) away from any wind or shipping lane in the equatorial Pacific. As a result, only a small part of the elevator will be within reach of an attack, which is only 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) or less. The elevator will also be a valuable global asset and will likely be protected by the United States and other foreign military forces.

Effects of space elevator:

The concept of space elevators is in many ways similar to that of the Transcontinental Railroad. This elevator will create a permanent connection of space with the earth that will never stop. While this will not speed up space travel, it will make space travel easier and more regular. One of the major effects of this elevator is that it will greatly reduce the cost of placing cargo in space. Although it is slower than the chemically powered space shuttle, it will reduce the cost of launching from-10,000-20,000 per pound to about 400.

Scientists hope that the space elevator will be able to replace the space shuttle and occupy the space of the main spacecraft and it will be used for further exploration including satellite installation, tourism, defense.