SpaceElevatorClimber
From SpaceElevatorWiki.com
The Climber
Ascending the ribbon efficiently and reliably is crucial. The climber utilizes current technology throughout and is under development through the Spaceward Foundation Space Elevator Games.
Value | Units | |
Mass | 30 | tons |
Height | 20 | meters |
Width | 20 | meters |
Payload | 60 | tons |
Maximum Velocity | 200 | kph |
Power usage | 2 | MW |
The working climber design is File:Climber.aoi. Notes on the design are located [climberdesignnotes.odt here]
Status:
Small climbers have been demonstrated through the Spaceward Space Elevator Games
Value | Units | |
Mass | 25 | kg |
Height | 2 | meter |
Width | 2 | meter |
Payload | 10 | kg |
Maximum Velocity | 18 | kph |
Power usage | 9 | kW |
Include images and videos from the SE Games Include design write-ups
Work Needed
The climber has the most engineering work that needs to be done and the most opportunity for individuals and groups to get directly involved.
Item | Notes |
Categorize the available PV cells for use with the power beaming system | Need manufacturer, size, thickness, cost, efficiency curves, radiation degradation curve, ... |
Categorize the available motors | Need manufacturer, power, efficiency curve vs RPM, mass, operational in vaccuum, cost,... |
PV array design | Optimize for collection, efficiency, mass, use in unidirectional -0.1 to +1 gravity,... |
Roller design | Minimize mass, operational with low-friction ribbon, minimal variation in force applied across the ribbon, tons per roller drive, ... |
Overall structure design | Minimize mass, design to handle oscillations, operation in wind, operation in unidirectional and two directional gravity field (-0.1 to +1.0) |
Operations | Work out a detailed operational scenario including fault handling, start-up through ascent, power loss and restart, |