SpaceElevatorClimber: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | |||
In the grand Space Elevator scheme of things, climbers can be easily identified - they are the things that move. The climber moves up (and possibly down) the stationary Space Elevator ribbon, carrying payload with it. | |||
A picture of the climber is shown below: | |||
[[image:not here yet]] | |||
Climbers have 3 main parts: | |||
* A beam convertion system, which captures incoming light and converts it into electricity | |||
* A traction and drive system, which uses the ribbon to propel the climber | |||
* A hull, which encoumpases all of the non-climber related functionality, such as attitude control, communications, and life support. **NEAD A TERM FOR THIS** | |||
Since only the first two systems are unique to the Space Elevator, they usually get most of the attention, since we think we know how to make a space-worthy hull. This is a common misconception, since so very much of the way spacecraft are built, down to even the basic choice of construction material, is goverened by the fact that they are designed to sit on top of rockets. | |||
==Status== | |||
Most recent work on climbers has been done in the framework of the Space Elevator games. | |||
These climbers demonstrate the principle of a Space Elevator, since they contain all the basic functionality, but do not really have a direct lineage to real spaceworthy climbers. | |||
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Revision as of 15:26, 8 July 2008
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]
Overview
In the grand Space Elevator scheme of things, climbers can be easily identified - they are the things that move. The climber moves up (and possibly down) the stationary Space Elevator ribbon, carrying payload with it.
A picture of the climber is shown below:
Climbers have 3 main parts:
- A beam convertion system, which captures incoming light and converts it into electricity
- A traction and drive system, which uses the ribbon to propel the climber
- A hull, which encoumpases all of the non-climber related functionality, such as attitude control, communications, and life support. **NEAD A TERM FOR THIS**
Since only the first two systems are unique to the Space Elevator, they usually get most of the attention, since we think we know how to make a space-worthy hull. This is a common misconception, since so very much of the way spacecraft are built, down to even the basic choice of construction material, is goverened by the fact that they are designed to sit on top of rockets.
Status
Most recent work on climbers has been done in the framework of the Space Elevator games.
These climbers demonstrate the principle of a Space Elevator, since they contain all the basic functionality, but do not really have a direct lineage to real spaceworthy climbers.
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, |