Prospects for the realization of "space elevator" to space in exchange for cables, replacing rockets

Previously it was caught as a mere dreamSpace elevator(Orbital elevator) is a concept,carbon nanotubeThe discovery of it was a major turning point for realization. Since the beginning of space development, there is no way to realize the space elevator which is supposed to be a new path to the way to the universe which had only to depend on "chemical rocket" which burns a lot of fuel and jumps to space Is the outlook open?

Can Quiet, Efficient 'Space Elevators' Really Work? | Space.com
http://www.space.com/24739-space-elevator-tether-technology.html

Space elevator is a means of transport that allows gondolas to go up and down along cables extended from the Earth's surface to the universe, delivering goods and people to space. The length of the cable required for realization is 100,000 km. General aircraft's altitude is 10 km (10 thousand meters), Space Shuttle and the International Space Station circle the earthLow orbit orbitOf 250 to 500 km, and a geostationary satellite such as a meteorological satellite floatsGeosynchronous orbitHowever, considering that the altitude is about 36,000 km, it means that a tremendously long cable is required.


Although there is an opinion that "If it is such a long cable, it will fall on the earth's surface due to the gravity of the earth", but on the contrary, its length gives centrifugal force to the cable, always turning from the earth toward the universe It is calculated to take equilibrium by putting it in a pulled state. However, materials that can accept such a large force did not exist before but became a big barrier to realization, but I was enrolled at NEC Tsukuba Research Institute in 1991Sumio IijimaWith the discovery of carbon nanotubes by the professor, the idea will make a big step forward. Compared to traditional metals, per unit weightTensile strengthIt is said that by using "light and strong" carbon nanotube material that is 1000 times as large, it was able to cross the big mountain for realization.


The concept of the space elevator is old, it was a scientist of the Soviets of that time in 1895Konstantin TsiolkovskyIt is said that what was invented by Mr. is the beginning. Since then, many scientists and engineers have repeatedly studied toward realization for more than a century, and recent research has concluded that considerable realization has become concreteInternational Space Vehicle Academy"Said Madavan G. Nea, president.

Dealing with space related newsSpace.com"Space elevator is no longer a story to appear in science fiction novels.While looking at research in recent years, I feel strongly about that," said Peter Swan, a film "2001 Space JourneyOf the science fiction writer who is the original author ofArthur C. ClarkMr. also wrote in 2003 that "Space elevator will be built within ten years since no one laughs at it, and now nobody laughs any longer."

ByBruce Irving

International Space Elevator ConsortiumMr. Swan, who is also the chairman of Mr. Swan, said, "The problem is when it is" The science is constantly progressing, we believe that in the future we will realize a space elevator " While emphasizing the fact that many people take seriously the research, "I still have a lot of issues to solve," he said.

According to Mr. Swan, the technology of "solar panel" is key to realizing the space elevator alongside "carbon nanotube". The gondola going back and forth between the ground and the universe is a mechanism that converts sunlight into electric power and uses it as power, so its efficiency is very important. We are continuing to pay attention to recent technological development and we are considering future use.

ByErek Gerstmann

As a driving force for realization, there is a form as a government support, a private enterprise, and a national project, and Mr. Swan said, "Both of them are feasible, but what is important is" funds "" motive "and realize "It is a strong feeling", but at the present stage it is thought that research by private industry is the center.

According to Swan, the superiority of the space elevator no longer exceeds the conventional chemical rocket. The space elevator basically has no restrictions on the shape and weight of the baggage, and it is possible to reach the geosynchronous orbit in the itinerary of about a week. Considering that conventional rockets consume 94% of their own mass as fuel at launch, their advantage may be said to be obvious. Mr. Swan said, "One day it will be a laughing day," You used the space rocket before, "the space elevator will be the answer to the way to the universe," he said It is.