SpaceElevatorCost

Budget

The capital construction and operational costs of the space elevator have traditionally been considered a major barrier. Here we will define the budget and determine how it impacts the program.

		Units	Cost
Ribbon
	Production facility
	Ribbon production
Anchor station
Power beaming system
	Lasers
	Optics
	Facility
Tracking system
Deployment spacecraft
Launch costs
Construction climbers
Operations facilities
	Administration
	Housing
Power generation
	Fuel
	Generator

Major Development Issues Related to this Component

1. Full budget analysis of the construction and operation of the space elevator

Additional Work Needed

Item	Notes	Completed and Ongoing Efforts
Detailed analysis of each subcomponent	Accurate quotes on production of various components	The Space Elevator by Edwards, Westling
Detailed operational costs	Costs based on existing projects of similar scope	File:SE Financial.ods operational budget by Edwards

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