Have you ever wondered how far mankind will go in the next ten years, well if NASA is right then we may be traveling to outer space by elevator. Just imagine being whisked of the earth, traveling in and out of a space station in geosynchronous orbit by elevator, or even an outer space resort, with this kind of cost effective transportation there is no telling what it can bring to mankind. Small scale models have already been created and computer generated imaging, and schematics are finished next is only a matter of materials, the key being Carbon Nanotube Composite. The Carbon nanotube composite is an engineered molecule made up of carbon hexagons which bind equally from one to another creating microscopic tube capsules. The composite material is one sixth the weight of titanium and has the tensile strength one hundred times greater than steel. Not only is this composite material immensely strong and light, but it is easy to produce in the lab. Currently carbon nanotube composite is being created at an astonishing rate, and the amount of material needed is planed to be reached in less than ten years.
So now you ask, how is this going to be achieved, what techniques will be used, why this material? That is where it gets interesting. There are two plans of transportation one using light beams, and one using magnetism, and manipulation of gravity. There is one common action shared by both planes, and that is how to get the cable of Carbon nanotube composite from earth to outer space. The carbon nanotube composite will be wrapped around a massive spool which will be carried on a shuttle, into space from the earth base which is planed to be somewhere along the equator in the ocean. The spool will unravel as the cable is pulled taught all the way into outer space where it will be attached to a space station in geosynchronous orbit. Physics says that a natural pull out ward will be created at one end and the other toward earth this would be like a self sustained cable by gravity itself. It is believed that at a certain point along the cable, the centrifugal force of the earth’s motion will pull the capsule the rest of the way out. The transported platform or capsule could carry important materials, resources, or people into outer space with very little cost and time.
One proposition made is to make a horizontal launch track that accelerates the vehicle magnetically over one thousand miles per hour and then gradual makes the shift to its vertical climb into the stars. Another way is by light specifically using one of the most powerful lasers know to mankind and will be emitted on a solar reactive cell surface. The light will be gradually increased in power to ensure a gradual speed increase and would be easily maintained over time. One major advantage to the laser is the ability to catch a falling vessel incases of emergency, but the cost of energy, and development would be immense. Overall the magnetic track seems more reasonable, but the calculations and margin of error are too great for comfort, making the laser at this point in time the more realistic form.
“I believe we will one day see the use of sky hooks, outer space resorts, commercial space exploration and a vast array of monumental achievements which will unite the global community in a new awareness of life and science. What A beautiful world it will be.” T.A.Wesselmann
"With the construction of multiple space elevators, there can be the start of new commercial markets, new resources and possibly a true spacefaring society. Just as the transistor was the first small step in the current computer age, the space elevator may be the step that takes our children to the stars," Edwards
I have posted some images of planes and concept designs in the community media check it out!
Find more on space elevators at NASA’s site
www.space.com or these other reliable sites,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator
www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/space_elevator_001226.html