2021 Foundation for the Future ISEC Presentations
Space Elevators are ready to enter Engineering Development
March 9th, 2021 represents a turning point in space elevator development. That day a series of ten video presentations demonstrated that the engineering development of the space elevator is ready to begin. The videos were part of Blue Marble Week, an event run by the Space division of Foundation for the Future and co-sponsored by ISEC.
1. Space Access Infrastructure
Dr. Peter Swan explains how space elevators are taking their first big step NOW. They are revolutionary in enabling a massive movement of cargo off-planet. This discussion compares many visions of how this can be done. [39 min.]
2. The Green Road to Space
Dr. Jerry Eddy shows that the space elevator is the green road to space because its operations are carbon negative, lifting cargo with electricity through the atmosphere to GEO and beyond. They also enable Earth-friendly missions such as space solar power and more. [24 min.]
3. Supporting Space Solar Power
Dr. David Dotson demonstrates how the space elevator enables space solar power. Construction of the needed number of power stations in space requires 5,000,000 tonnes to GEO, which space elevators can deliver. [26 min.]
4. Economic Returns from Permanent Space Infrastructure
Kevin Barry presents the space elevator in the context of large-scale economic development and argues that remarkable benefits will result from a permanent space infrastructure. [39 min.]
5. The Architecture of Galactic Harbors
Michael Fitzgerald’s two presentations are combined to discuss Galactic Harbours and how they are ready for development. Transportation infrastructure and a space elevator enterprise system ensure the movement of mass to GEO and beyond. [46 min.]
6. Graphene Progress
Adrian Nixon and Rob Whieldon explain the state of the art in the development of the new 2D materials, specifically graphene. The current estimate is that graphene will be "long enough" and "strong enough" for space elevator requirements. [66 min.]
7. Dual Space Access architecture
Dr. Swan focusses on the amazing demands being discussed for the future movement into space. Discussions seek to understand the limitations and strengths of future rockets and space elevators, with the conclusion that both options are required. [25 min.]
8. The Space Elevator Body of Knowledge
Dr. Dennis Wright surveys the expanding field of knowledge necessary for the construction of a space elevator. Contributions of ISEC, IAA, Obayashi Corporation, JAMSS and IAF/IAC are noted, as are the ongoing technical studies within ISEC. [19 min.]
9. Permanent Space Access Leads to Global Transportation Intermodalism
Vern Hall explains that the Galactic Harbour is the vertical part of the global transportation infrastructure. The movement of payloads towards space would engage all modes of transportation to reach the Earth Port where they will be loaded onto the vertical climber for delivery to GEO and beyond. [38 min.]
10. Panel Discussion
Kevin Barry, William Britton, Michael Fitzgerald and Dennis Wright discuss the current arena of engineering testing and reach towards future successful operations. Several discussions differentiate economics and business, education and work force, and near term vs. long term visions and plans. [48 min.]