Space Elevator

[JKPolk]

Re: Space Elevator

As lift for the elevator? I'd go with the same idea behind rail guns, just EM force. Couple that with some on/off tripped magnets like on a monorail and you'll be set. Plus, lift provided in that manner would provide a cushion in case of a failure further along the line.

In the case of using the gas stations, I'd say just load the shuttles/rockets with as much fuel as they need to get into LEO, have them refuel up there and then go into outer orbit/solar system on a full tank of gas.

Not only does it ridiculously lower the initial mass of the object but it provides a much larger amount of residue fuel for outer solar system missions which in turn would allow for astronauts to actually get to mars and then come back later.

[foilman8805]

Re: Space Elevator

I would probe you more about EM, but I don't want to murder this thread...but for curiosity's sake, are there any magnets out there that could provide enough force to lift AND propel something that will probably have a weight in the tens of thousands of pounds?

[JKPolk]

Re: Space Elevator

I'm going to ahead and say that magnets like that don't exist at ALL, I was just kinda tossing out what I would do if I absolutely positively had to make it work. I also have no idea where one would even generate that kind of power.

I'm being dragged away to be social, so we can continue this some other time if you'd like.

[foilman8805]

Re: Space Elevator

Just wanted to bring up that the strongest magnets I know of off hand are Neodymium magnets. It's some rare earth based metal with a very strong magnetic field. A small ball sized Neodymium magnet can attract one of similar proportions from up to a foot away.

Gonna go out on a limb here and say I think engineers/scientists could make some pretty strong electromagnets with a combination of Neodymium magnets and a nuclear power source. Would be interesting to see if that has any potential to support and move a large payload.

There is a caveat to using Neodymium magnets though. They need to be in an environment with temperatures lower than 180 degrees F, or else they lose their magnetic properties...wouldn't be an issue in the upper atmosphere, but it may be on the ground.

[JKPolk]

Re: Space Elevator

I agree 100% with Neodymium mags, for current sources they're probably our best bet.

[ViciousDelicious]

Re: Space Elevator

I'm going to help create this.

[who_cares973]

Re: Space Elevator

we talked about a space elevator during my astronomy class back in high school. i dont see it being made anytime soon, cool idea nonetheless

[dietsnapple135]

Re: Space Elevator

What are the chances something like the space elevator could be hit by space matter? I mean, it can't be too likely, but will the engineers be talking of probable debris hitting it?

[Adamaja456]

Re: Space Elevator

I'm sure the engineers will discuss some form of technology that has to do with space matter and ways of avoiding it.

[JKPolk]

Re: Space Elevator

What are the chances something like the space elevator could be hit by space matter? I mean, it can't be too likely, but will the engineers be talking of probable debris hitting it?

100%. Satellites and shuttles get nailed all the time, Low and Geocentric orbits are very crowded with space debris.

[foilman8805]

Re: Space Elevator

Something as small as a 1 inch bolt could jeopardize a whole mission and bring it to failure. Not because of its size, but because of the speed the bolt has as it impacts.

Also, NORAD tracks space debris to the best of its ability, and they've cataloged something like 100,000+ golf ball sized objects or larger orbiting the Earth. So, it's a very real possibility.

[Adamaja456]

Re: Space Elevator

I actually remember reading an article while ****ting about space debris. Even matter the size of sand can cause damage based on the velocity. It seems like there is tons of unknown variables that need to be researched and im sure if we are thinking about them, the scientists working on developing the actual space elevator are thinking about them.

[Crashfan3]

Re: Space Elevator

Ok. I'm probably acting like a complete idiot here, but I smell an issue.

This is basically a 62-mile pole sticking out of the earth. Could it possibly tip over?

[devonin]

Re: Space Elevator

As I understand the usual description of a functioning Space Elevator, the method used to bring things up is bringing things down at the same time.

The way the elevator is supposed to become functionally energy free after you've invested all the energy into its construction is that you use the energy generated by sending stuff down it to lift other things up it at the same time, rather like a paddlewheel.

[foilman8805]

Re: Space Elevator

This is basically a 62-mile pole sticking out of the earth. Could it possibly tip over?

It's not a 'pole' as you seem to think of it. It's more of a really long cable with a counterweight on the end of it.

Inertia principles dictate that the rope will remain taut and straight so long as no force acts on the cable in one way or another (except on a parallel axis which is fine). The counterweight would then rotate in harmony with the Earth's own natural acceleration in most likely a geostationary orbit.