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THe « Space Elevator » concept

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Overview

L Description of the systemL TechnologyL InfrastructureL RisksL Conclusion

What is a « space elevator » ?

L Physical connection from Earth to the geostationary Earth orbit

L Objectivef Transport

peoplef Payloadsf Powerf Gasesf …

A more precise look

L Different partsf Geostationary

transfer stationf Base stationf Electromagnetic

vehiclesf Counterweightf Spheres

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Issues

L Not feasible todayL Highest structure : 630 meters

highL Advantages

f easyf cheap

L Not really a new idea

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TechnologyL Materials

f gaphite epoxy compositea used in aerospacea not strong enough

f carbon nanotubesa 100 times stronger than steela not producible yet

f Tests on the ISS

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Infrastructure

L Total length : 144 000 kmf Earth-moon : 385 000 km

L Tower on earthL Propulsion

f mechanical : 12 days of travelf electromagnetic : 10 hours

Electromagnetic vehicles

L Electromagnetic rail

L Energy saving

Funny idea

L Launch archf Tall towersf 15 km highf Electromagnetic

rail

L Propel vehicles nearly out of the Earth atmosphere

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Let’s summarize

L 24 hour orbitL Platform on EarthL Space elevator vehiclesL Structure made of nanotubes

Adjustments

L System of cablesL An asteroid !

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Risks

L What about collisions?f asteroidsf space debrisf …

L Maintenance on the elevator

Other projectsL Lunar space elevator

L Mars space elevator transportation system

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Conclusion

L A not so far futuref 20 years ?

L Main objective: profitsL A lot more to say about

f safety, environment…

L A great idea to dream about

Any question?