[Previous] | [Session 3] | [Next]
J. L. Langston (Raytheon)
This paper investigates the engineering principles that govern the design of a Space Elevator. The presentation includes extensive mathematical analysis of several basic approaches, reviews historical approaches and looks at some novel implementations. The technical challenges that must be overcome and the potential application of new technology to meet these challenges are discussed. While the paper focuses on the engineering aspects of the space elevator concept, some space is devoted to the potential use and benefit of a successful implementation. The primary objective of this paper is to show that no fundamental physical principles preclude the concept, but that technology development is required before a practical implementation can be realized.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: Leland_Langston@msn.com
[Previous] | [Session 3] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.