International Space Elevator Consortium
September 2024 Newsletter
Special Edition

In this Issue:
ISEC 2024 Conference Report
Exciting Outcomes
Book Review: Quantum Space
Doug Phillips Endorsement
Karyn’s LinkedIn Review
The "Money Shot" Photo
Contact Us

ISEC 2024 Conference Report

Hog butcher for the world, tool maker, stacker of wheat,
Player with railroads and the nation's freight handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the big shoulders (and space elevator capital of the world).
 - with apologies to Carl Sandburg

OK, so maybe not, but Chicago was the place to be on September 7th and 8th for space elevator engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts. We had our second consecutive in-person ISEC conference since COVID and by all accounts, it was a success.

A series of space elevator talks took place, interspersed with workshops on deploying, simulating, and selling the space elevator. We also studied ways to get power to the space elevator climber.

Setting the scale for the space elevator enterprise, Jason “Hap” Arnold talked about the “Multi-modal Interplanetary Transit Network” and how the space elevator would connect with the Aldrin cycler spacecraft to get to Mars.

Pete Swan started an effort to lay out operational/financial benefits when “going with space elevators.” We must develop an explanation of the value propositions of space elevators, so that such value as a permanent space transportation infrastructure will be viewed as overpowering any hesitation to initiate research and development.

While the value of the space elevator is clear, the question arises: who would actually ride it? The question was answered in part by Savannah Box, who presented the results of a survey of 2000 respondents. The answer: risk takers more than the cautious, young people more than older people, and men more than women.

Obviously, people who ride the space elevator will want to travel quickly, but this takes power. Larry Bartoszek discussed ways of providing it. Much thought has been given to beaming it to the climber using lasers, but with power requirements in the Gigawatt range, other means were examined such as conducting power through or alongside the tether.

As a baseline design for the space elevator, ISEC has assumed 20-ton climbers ascending tethers in the kiloton mass range. Steven Griggs says we need to think bigger. 100-ton, or larger, climbers with much more massive tethers will be needed if we are serious about moving enough mass to space to really transform the space economy.

Part of this new economy will be tourism. John Knapman presented “Exciting Opportunities at GEO and the Apex Anchor”, which included space hotels at various altitudes, supported by the space elevator. He also discussed plans for attaching secondary, rotating tethers at the apex of the space elevator which could launch spacecraft deep into the solar system and even probes to the nearest stars.

Pete reported on the most recent ISEC study: This Apex Anchor research report illustrates our transportation infrastructure which has strengths and characteristics of bridges and train tracks, or in other words: Full-service transportation infrastructure with space ports for assembly, repair, construction, refueling and release along the way. We are on the brink of transforming our relationship with space, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient logistics method to transport large cargoes into space. This study can be found at www.isec.org/studies. 

Ender Kazan is an engineer developing linear motor elevators for tall buildings. He believes that a high-efficiency linear motor that travels vertically can be developed for the space elevator. This would theoretically allow higher travel speeds to GEO and beyond.

A very open ongoing question is: “how would the space elevator be deployed?”Jerry Eddy presented calculations for the size of the tether reels needed and moderated discussion of how the tether material could be modified to enable gripping and fastening.

Deployment scenarios were also discussed by Jim Dempsey when he showed results from his deployment simulations. Three methods were tried and one, which he calls the yin-yang method, was the first that demonstrated a successful deployment. The other two methods, the bolo and shoestring, had large oscillations which prevented a complete deployment.

There were two parallel workshops: simulation, and how to sell the space elevator to investors.

Simulation deals with the dynamics, calculations, and display of space elevator motions. A virtual space elevator can be set up in any possible scenario that might occur in real life. It can then be studied to inform design and operation decisions. In this workshop, ten such scenarios were presented and discussed. It was pointed out that there is much more to do in this area and the help of any volunteers will be required.

In selling the space elevator, Pete ran a 90-minute workshop that investigated the question: “How do you sell a Space Elevator?” The discussions started with a broad spectrum of ideas and gathered some excellent concepts on how to start. These ideas then created far more questions than answers such as: “What do we say to an investor? What do they want? How do we approach them?” There needs to be far more work across this topic to help us understand it.

When presenting the space elevator to future investors, estimated costs are essential. Hap Arnold presented his estimates for this and outlined how fixed and variable costs were far different for space elevators than they are for rockets.

In an exciting first for ISEC, there was a panel discussion of how scientists and engineers can work with science fiction authors to ensure good science is represented. The session featured a talk by Douglas Phillips, author of the “Quantum Space” series, who discussed the process of writing his new book. Douglas was joined on the panel by another author, Joyce Elferdink, for a panel discussion that consisted of a set of prepared questions on the writing process, how science is taken into account, and when a good story may overlook some scientific details. They both then fielded questions from the audience.

Some of you may know that ISEC is affiliated with the National Space Society. That affiliation reflects the fact that the goals of ISEC and NSS are closely aligned. Hap Arnold addressed this and Larry Bartoszek presented a way in which the space elevator could supply trees to the space settlements advocated by NSS. Another way in which ISEC is aligned with NSS is involving students in the research process. Pete Swan and Paul Phister summarized our efforts in this direction. The year seems to be a breakout year with multiple programs supporting NSS and other student activities such as The Academic Challenge, which is initiating its third year, while the Student Intern program has a new director.

We wrapped up the conference with a "Shotgun Science” session, in which we each had a few minutes to think about and present a silly or serious science experiment that was to be conducted somewhere on or using the space elevator. It was a wild ride!

A number of these talks will appear as papers in the conference proceedings early next year. But don’t worry! If you can’t wait that long, recordings of the talks will be available soon from the ISEC website (www.isec.org). We encourage you to have a look and think about volunteering in the space elevator endeavor. The more of you we have, the closer the space elevator comes to reality!

For another wild ride, join us for next year’s conference, ISEC 2025! See you then.

by Dennis Wright & Pete Swan

GROUP PHOTO:

Back row featuring left to right: Doug Phillips, Vince Loeffler, Pete Swan, Charlie Krone, Larry Bartoszek, Bob Ethen, Jim Dempsey, Eric Harkleroad, Sandee Schaeffer.

Middle row: Karyn Gleeson, Jerry Eddy, Savannah Box, Terrence Box, Jason Arnold, Joyce Elferdink, Ender Kazan, John Knapman, Steven Griggs

Front row (seated): Dan Gleeson, Michael Schaeffer, Dennis Wright, Sean Crouse, Bernard Kraai, David Armes.

Photo credit: Sandee Schaeffer with edits by Peter Robinson.

LUNCH PHOTO:

From left to right: Sandee Schaeffer, Savannah Box, John Knapman (in background), Pete Swan (from behind), Jerry Eddy (standing), Dennis Wright, Larry Bartoszek, Ender Kazan (behind Jerry), Bernard Kraai, Vince Loeffler (from behind), Steven Griggs, Eric Harkleroad (in red), Bob Ethen, Douglas Phillips, Jason Arnold, Dan Gleeson, Charlie Krone (from behind), Karyn Gleeson, Terrence Box. Photo credit: Michael Schaeffer with edits by Peter Robinson.

FOOSBALL FUN:

According to James Howell, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” So, we had a little bit of fun during breaks. This looks like a great place to work! From left to right: Ender Kazan, Steven Griggs (behind Ender), David Armes, John Knapman (in background), Dennis Wright (in background), Jason Arnold, Linda Wright (behind Jason), Bob Ethen (observing), Sean Crouse, Savannah Box.

Real-time & Exciting Outcomes of the Conference

This year’s ISEC Conference had some exciting tangible outcomes. The three visible outputs from our conference were:

1)  Renewed excitement about student involvement -- Paul Phister leading Interns and Academic Challenge 

2)  Initiated a new Deployment Concept for the Space Elevator -- current champions -- Pete Swan/Jim Dempsey 

3)  Establish a Space Elevator Writer’s Circle -- current champion -- Karyn Gleason

Renewed Excitement supporting students:

Paul Phister and Hap Arnold are off and running enhancing our student involvement. The Intern Program is being revamped to emphasize research while the Academic Challenge 2025 is already open for students. Hap Arnold has jumped into the arena with a successful Metcalf Sprint Challenge and is working closely with the National Space Society’s SpacEdge Academy Center of Excellence for Space Elevators (which shares ISEC’s body of knowledge of Modern-Day Space Elevators.)

Initiated a new Deployment Concept for the Space Elevator -- current champions -- Pete Swan/Jim Dempsey:

This Multi-Step Deployment Approach using a Guide Tethers concept should simplify the overall initial capability. Each of the multiple “guide tethers” would grow towards the final deployment of the full Initial Operational Capacity (IOC) tether. This concept leverages the idea that you only have to deploy within an open environment one time dealing with all of the complex dynamics and external forces of a single tether between the ocean surface and the Apex Anchor. After that initial deployment, the release of tethers would be “along a guideline.” In addition, this concept avoids the bonding of tethers along the start-up tethers while raising the material against gravity. The basic concept is to deploy full space elevator tether from GEO with controlled release as each end effector slides along the guide tether up and down. 

Step ONE: The first step would be consistent with all of the previous simulations; however, it would have a much smaller tether than the operational one. As such the loads and deployment could be handled with fewer forces and probably more rapidly.

Step TWO (or several): Once this initial guide tether is in place, the second larger guide tether would be deployed up and down from GEO. Using this new methodology that depends upon each end effector being controlled by sliding down/up the tether while controlling mechanism to stay attached with a stabilizing force from the initial guide tether. Once the second guide tether is stabilized, the initial guide tether moves to another location as a back-up and utility tether.

Step FINAL: Once a significantly larger guide tether is in place, the final deployment process is exercised to deploy a full IOC version. The IOC tether’s end effectors, during deployment, would be sliding along this guide tether until it reaches the oceans at the equator and then extends outward for appropriate stability. The IOC tether would be allowed to stabilize and then the large guide tether would be moved away from the newly operational space elevator.

NOTE: Once the large guide tether has been deployed two things happen:

+ The initial tether is moved in a direction along the equator and becomes a backup small tether and a utility tether (maybe a science instrument laden tether for in-situ measurements along 100,000 kms).

+ Once the large guide tether has installed the first IOC tether, it is moved towards a new location to accept a new IOC tether at GEO and create that second location for space elevators along the equatorial belt following the procedure described above. This continues as customers buy “in-location” IOC tethers. 

Establish a Space Elevator Writer’s Circle -- current champion -- Karyn Gleason:

This gathering of writers/readers would expand the reach of ISEC as we go forward. The first example is the result of the Science Fiction panel hosted by Douglas Phillips. The panel went very well and led to the conclusion that ISEC could do more to support the creative world "Out there."

The following book review is an example of our help to the authors who support our dream... 

Book Review: Quantum Space by Douglas Phillips, 2017

by Peter Swan, Sept 2024

General theme: This book was an exciting read of a new concept expressed through science fiction with powerful actors and complex storylines. The basic theme was the crisis created when a Soyuz vehicle disappears on its return from the International Space Station without the physical characteristics normally associated with such an event. The main characters were wonderful examples of strong-willed high achievers in our space community trying to save the trio in trouble -- one American, one Russian and a Japanese. The insightful explanation of events associated with this type of international, space-oriented crisis was excellent with portrayals of individual, commercial, governmental, and international conflicts.

Plot: Douglas Phillips laid out a plot that was remarkably consistent with the reality of an international space program, advanced scientific investigations on the edge of discovering elemental aspects of “particle” physics with interstellar destinations, and the newly developing commercial support to basic physics, sometimes with conflicting objectives. All the physics seemed real until the middle of the book where the fiction portion of the storyline enhanced the excitement by stretching our imagination in a real direction that could become Nobel Prize level science of the future. This conceptualization of the future was brilliant leading to interesting turns in the plot across the governmental structure (NASA recovering their astronauts), basic science (ensuring truth of the efforts to expand knowledge and discover the depths of string theory), and commercial interests (starting with rewarding support of basic physics -- then leading to potential commercial windfalls).

Remarkable Achievements: The portrayal of the three main characters reflected well inside my mind, coming from a rocket scientist who is married to a former police officer/rocket scientist. The roles were brilliantly developed of 1) a strong and brilliant woman scientist, 2) a strong and innovative skilled NASA woman investigator, and 3) a strong male character leading the effort reporting to leadership inside the White House. The development of the storyline was superb as it starts well along the way in advanced physics (real string theory concepts), develops a very conceivable expansion of the theory, integrates this into a crisis within multiple governments while dealing with personal strengths and shortfalls which are within each of us.

Critique: The only issue I had with the book was it ran out of pages. I really enjoyed the story and literally started it yesterday morning on a plane and finished by 11 pm -- I could not put it down! 

Ranking: 5 Stars out of 5!

I greatly enjoyed the character development while believing the exciting and challenging path needed to be understood and then followed the futuristic world/universe that opened up. The storyline was believable, presented real challenges, and was exciting.

Douglas Phillips Endorsement 

Douglas Phillips endorsed us in his newsletter. Here is what he said about us in anticipation of the Space Elevator Conference and his role as a guest speaker: 

Guess what? ISEC has invited me to speak at their conference next week. In fact, they've carved out a 90-minute session titled, Teaming with Sci-Fi Authors on September 8. You see, I've been working with ISEC scientists and engineers for several months now, and what I've learned forms the basis for my next book. Ascending Carbon doesn't just feature a space elevator as a cool background for one or two scenes. It's central to the story. This isn't your grandfather's space elevator and it's not a fever fantasy of a tower that could never exist. Thanks to my collaboration with ISEC, the story derives from very real science and a 2024 forecast of technology we'll start to see in the 2030s.

If you're in the Chicago area, join us in-person. Go here to register. Hurry, September 8 is coming up fast. Note that you can register for one day only at half price. If you can't make it to the live event, ISEC will be recording the session. I'll let you know when I have access.

Thank you, Douglas, for your endorsement!

Karyn’s LinkedIn Conference Review 

For those who missed Karyn’s post on LinkedIn, here’s what she posted: 

Last weekend (Sept. 7 & 8) in Chicago, we held our annual Space Elevator Conference for the International Space Elevator Consortium. Our sessions included the "Multi-modal Interplanetary Transit Network" from Jason "Hap" Arnold, "Special Characteristics Leading to a Powerful Value Proposition", "Apex Anchor Transformative Strengths" (with Paul Phister) and "Student Involvement in Space Elevators" from Peter Swan, Ph.D.

"New Space Elevator Mission Requirements are Needed" from Steven Griggs, and two presentations on "Delivering Power to the Space Elevator Climber (with and without lasers)" from Larry Bartoszek, "Linear Motor Elevators" from Ender Kazan, "Exciting Opportunities at Geo and the Apex Anchor from John Knapman, A Tether Deployment Workshop, from Jerry Eddy, and a Tether Deployment Trials and Tribulations session from Jim Dempsey were also presented.

PLUS we also had the author of the Quantum Series, Douglas Phillips (https://lnkd.in/gzgGzB9R) and author Joyce Elferdink discuss sci-fi writing using REAL Science! Graduate student at Embry-Riddle University, Savanna Box presented the study; "What Type of Person is Willing to Ride in a Space Elevator?" The study authors included Box, Golendukhina, Garcia, Crouse, Winter, and Rice.

For fun, we had "Shotgun Science", where we had a few minutes to think about and present a silly or serious science experiment that was to be conducted somewhere on the Space Elevator.

It was a wild ride! As a space enthusiast, I learned so much and really had a great time! I managed this small in-person conference, which I call a "Concierge Learning Event" that allows the speakers and attendees to learn from each other in a small intimate setting to foster collaborative learning and sharing of information. I highly recommend this type of event for deep knowledge sharing! -- I will be posting the recordings from our conference in the next few weeks -- I am a volunteer, so I will need some time. Check out our website ISEC.org for a TONNE of info!

The "Money Shot" Photo

This photo came into existence from the trial and error of taking the group photo. Featuring Sean Crouse trying to dash back into place before the photo was taken because the stylus used to remotely take the photo could not reach long enough leaving this hilarious photo!

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