SpaceElevatorDeployment
From SpaceElevatorWiki.com
The Deployment
Deploying the ribbon takes innovation and care. The ribbon can not be simply thrown up into space neither can it be blindly dropped down from orbit. The deployment spacecraft is to deliver the first ribbon then climbers will build up and strengthen the ribbon to the point where it is usable.
Value | Units | ||||
Spacecraft Mass | 80 | tons | Mass of first ribbon | 40 | meters |
Fisrt climber size | 1 | ton | |||
Spacecraft propoulsion | MPD | ||||
Power source | MW of beamed power | ||||
Deployment time for first ribbon | 2 | weeks |
The working climber design is File:DeploySpacecraft.aoi. The software being used to modify it is Art of Illusion which is open source freeware. Notes on the design are located [DeploySpacecraftnotes.odt here] and readable with OpenOffice.
Status:
Large Spacecraft have been built and operated Need additional work on launching first ribbonInclude images and videos Include design write-ups