Space Elevator Architecture and Roadmaps

 The report explains the path to developing the space elevator. Presently, there are three “validated” architectures addressing space elevators:

  • Brad Edwards’ NAIC study, with refinements in his 2003 book

  • International Academy of Astronautics Study Report, 2013

  • Obayashi Corporation concept at Heads of Space Agency Summit, Jan 2014.

The study aims to refine a process to significantly move the development of the space elevator mega-project towards its Initial Operational Capability(IOC). This architectural process is refined in the first part of this report, and will not be dependent upon a single past architecture.

During the exploration period of this study, it was determined that the Space Elevator Architecture would be composed of five delineated segments:

  • Marine Node segment,

  • tether segment,

  • climber segment,

  • Apex Anchor segment, and

  • headquarters / Primary Operations Center.

These segments are defined in the report.

The five segments were examined and the most challenging technology or engineering issues were identified. It was determined that each of these challenges should be treated as if they were prototypes. These prototypes are to be resolved by demonstration: solid test-engineered experiments which show that engineering and performance standards have been, or can be, met. Each segment’s final demonstration will be preceded by a carefully selected set of smaller demonstrations. These prelude demonstrations will examine the engineering approach and the validity of the test approach for each segment.

The successful completion of the five segments’ challenges will likely reveal that certain technologies need to be identified, matured and included. In some cases, technology alternatives must be identified to ensure satisfactory prototype testing or demonstration completion. As a specific engineering product is foreseen, technology maturation roadmaps will be traversed for each segment. Most will be traversed early; some will be traversed concurrently with the test events that precede challenges and prototypes; some will be traversed later, forming the basis for post IOC insertion.