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, |
