International Space Elevator Consortium ISEC Position Paper # 2019-1

Today's Space Elevator

Space Elevator Matures
into the Galactic Harbour

A Primer for
Progress in
Space
Elevator
Development

Peter Swan, Ph.D.

Michael Fitzgerald

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Today's Space Elevator
Space Elevator Matures
into the Galactic Harbour

Peter Swan, Ph.D.

Michael Fitzgerald
Prepared for the
International Space Elevator Consortium
Chief Architect's Office

Sept 2019

iii

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 Today's Space Elevator

Copyright © 2019 by:

Peter Swan
Michael Fitzgerald
International Space Elevator Consortium

All rights reserved, including the rights to reproduce

this manuscript or portions thereof in any form.

Published by Lulu.com

[email protected]

978-0-359-93496-6

Cover Illustrations:
Front – with permission of Galactic Harbour Association.
Back – with permission of Michael Fitzgerald.

Printed in the United States of America

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Preface
The Space Elevator is a Catalyst for Change!

There was a moment in time that I realized the baton had changed hands - across
three generations. I was talking within a small but enthusiastic group of attendees at
the International Space Development Conference in June 2019. On that stage there
was generation "co-inventor" Jerome Pearson, generation "advancing concept"
Michael Fitzgerald and generation "excited students" James Torla and Souvik
Mukherjee. The "moment" was more than an assembly of young and old. It was also
a portrait of the stewards of the Space Elevator revolution -- from Inventor to
Developer to Innovators. James was working a college research project on how to
get to Mars in 77 days from the Apex Anchor and Souvik (16 years old) was
representing his high school from India. The excitement and enjoyment of that
moment soon faded; but, later it was evident that a baton had been passed. The
iconic linkage of the generations that were on stage during the National Space
Society event and the publishing of a study report by the International Academy of
Astronautics announcing that we were definitely on the Road to the Space Elevator
Era is remarkable. Unmistakably, the Space Elevator as the catalyst of change has
already occurred. The future of the Space Mosaic supporting transportation, trade,
exploration, enterprise, and research requires the Space Elevator as its enabler.

We believe that the Space Elevator program has developed its concept to such a
degree that it is ready to initiate engineering testing! This document illustrates the
status of the Space Elevator project as of the Fall of 2019. "Show-me" is the
methodology of this report.

The vision of the International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) is to have a world
with inexpensive, safe, routine, environmentally friendly and efficient access to
space for the benefit of all. As its name suggests, one of the principle elements of the
ISEC action plan is to promote the development, construction and operation of a
Space Elevator infrastructure as a revolutionary and efficient way of getting into
space. This special report is to emphasize the fact that we are ready to proceed to
engineering testing. In addition, it is recognized that this is not a space project -- it
is a transportation infrastructure. In fact, there is much to be said for the statement:

"The Space Elevator will be the transportation story of the 21st Century."

Peter Swan, Ph.D.
President of ISEC
September 2019

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Acknowledgements
Thanks must go to the members of the International Space Elevator Consortium, and
other Space Elevator enthusiasts who have been dreaming "big" for years now. The
phenomenal work accomplished over the last ten years has allowed the Space Elevator
body of knowledge to increase exponentially. Alison Berman described why "we do it"
in "The Motivating Power of a Massive Transformative Purpose." Singularity Hub, Nov
8, 2016.

“... mind-blowing breakthroughs don’t just happen. They take teams of bright
and dedicated people chipping away at the problem day and night. They take a
huge amount of motivation, toil, and at least a few failures. To solve our biggest
problems, we need people to undertake big tasks.”

Each of us knows that when the Space Elevator is operational, movement off-planet
proceeds robustly. We know that we will have an impact on the future and move
humanity on a positive vector with hope. This Massive Transformative "Moonshot" is
rewarding to work on and is being accomplished because we believe.

Thanks are also due to those who have contributed, especially Dr. Cathy Swan who read
every word several times as an editor translating engineering into English. And thanks to
Adrian Nixon, John Knapman, Jerry Eddy, and Dennis Wright for their review of the
document. We would also like to thank Nixene Ltd. for its insight into single crystal
graphene and its help at understanding its potential as the Space Elevator tether material.

Well done Space Elevator team!

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Executive Summary
The Space Elevator has developed significantly over the last ten years; and, indeed
2019 was a "break-out" year. The leap from thinking about future concepts to the
realization that an aggressive proposal of early developmental activities must be
initiated during the fall of 2019, highlights a phase change in Space Elevators with
several elements:
• from Space Elevator to Galactic Harbour
• from wishing for a material for the tether to having one successfully tested
• from an immature plan to a preliminary positive assessment of each
technology within each system segment
• from silent discussions in small groups to advocacy across the world.

Much of this realization occurred during the 2019 National Space Society's
International Space Development Conference (NSS ISDC) in Washington D.C. The
ISEC, and other Space Elevator thinkers, spoke of and supported four main themes
concerning the status of the Space Elevator.
• Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think!
• Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is a part of this global and interplanetary
transportation infrastructure
• Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a
preliminary technology readiness assessment and is ready to enter initial
engineering validation testing -- leading to establishment of needed
capabilities.
• Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture demands
that it be understood and supported by many.

In addition, discussions with an active audience of space enthusiasts at the
conference lead to remarkable conclusions.

1. The Space Elevator is Environmentally Friendly
2. The Space Elevator is the economic engine of the environmentally green
planet of the 21st Century, and
3. A strong statement of this fact must be one of the principle messages
spread around the world.

Part of the "show me" aspect of this ISEC Report about the Space Elevator program
status is contained within the background information summarized in several large
appendices. This will enable readers to have easy access to several Space Elevator
facts and conclusions. This set of reference materials will enable developers to
immediately understand the current status and find significant Space Elevator
resources, such as a lexicon and a list of professional references.

Beyond the engineering refinements occurring in parallel across the industry, there
is one major step that can be initiated in the near term to significantly move the
Space Elevator forward. The establishment of a Space Elevator Institute would

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focus many of the issues for discussions, research, analysis and recommendations.
This Institute would be chartered to look at the newly forming strategic mosaic of
space. We are no longer just going to space, we will be conducting exploration,
research, military operations, trade and commercial enterprises. Not only will the
Space Elevator Institute focus upon the transportation infrastructure, but it would
also identify and study the vast array of questions still to be answered. The
placement of the Space Elevator inside the strategic mosaic of space will ensure that
the exploitation of tremendous new access to space will leverage the lessons of
history and enhance the safety of the enterprise. The strategic mosaic of space is
taking form; it is composed of trade, enterprise, research, exploration, and military
protection. The ability of the Space Elevator to be a logistics giant will ensure that
this movement off-planet will result in an economic engine on (and near) Earth. The
codification of the engineering transportation infrastructure will solidify the
segment to segment relationships and support the satisfaction of system level
requirements in preparation of design activities. A second thrust would focus on
investigations into such areas as funding approaches, relationships with supporting
governments around the world, discovering its rightful place in the interplanetary
support activities, and determining best approaches to develop the Enterprise
Infrastructure across the Galactic Harbours. The ability to assess current and near
term activities with an historical view will make this new concept of a strategic
space mosaic even more enticing to future generations.

This book is organized as a "show me" document to demonstrate 16 years of
advancements beyond Dr. Edwards' modern Space Elevator concept. The initial
chapter will illustrate the "why" of Space Elevators while showing some basic
evaluations of where we are and where we came from. The second chapter will
explain what the Space Elevator and Galactic Harbours are with a current (Fall
2019) baseline architecture. Chapter three will show the Architectural approach
along with systems engineering status with a baseline schedule. The fourth chapter
will delve into each segment of the system and show the conclusions of a major
study completed by the International Academy of Astronautics [Swan, 2019] along
with results from several ISEC year-long studies. Chapter five will jump into the
four themes and evaluate the engineering claims with respect to program status.
These four themes represent the Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour status for the
fall of 2019. Chapter Six will lay the foundation for the future. Significant
information will also be available within the Appendices:

Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix B: Space Elevator Terminology
Appendix C: Summary of ISEC Studies
Appendix D: Summary of IAA Studies
Appendix E: Summary of ISEC Architectural Notes
Appendix F: Space Elevator References
Appendix G: ISEC Description

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 Table of Contents

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. xi

Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Space Elevator Program ............................................................................................. 1
1.1 Mission Strengths ....................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Themes ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Interplanetary Mission Support - Mission Expansion................................................ 4
1.4 Status of Space Elevator Progress Towards "Show me" (Fall of 2019) ................... 4
1.5 Establishing a Space Elevator Institute ...................................................................... 7
1.6 Overview of Chapters ................................................................................................ 8
1.7 Letter from Nixene Ltd in support of Tether Material ............................................... 9

Chapter 2 Galactic Harbour and Space Elevator Baselines ....................................... 13

2.1 Preamble................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 The Physical Soundness of the Space Elevator Concept ......................................... 13
2.2.1 Physical feasibility .............................................................................................. 13
2.2.2 Stability ............................................................................................................... 14
2.2.3 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 14
2.3 What is a Modern Day Galactic Harbour? ............................................................... 14
2.4 What is a Space Elevator ......................................................................................... 18
2.5 What is the Space Elevator Baseline? ...................................................................... 19

Chapter 3: Architectural Approach ................................................................................ 21

3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 21
3.2 Space Architecture Starts with a Strategic Approach .............................................. 21
3.2.1 Overall Strategy for International Space Elevator Consortium ........................ 22
3.2.2 Sequence of Development - Natural Approach ................................................ 23
3.3 Engineering Stages - Where are We? ......................................................................... 26
3.3.1 The Space Elevator is nearing the end of the Technology Development Phase27
3.3.2 Phase two: Validate engineering approaches .................................................... 29

Chapter 4: Systems Engineering Status ......................................................................... 30

4.1 Systems Engineering Status - Where are We? ......................................................... 30
4.1.1 Engineering Status of Earth Port ....................................................................... 31
4.1.2 Engineering Status of HQ/POC ........................................................................ 31
4.1.3 Engineering Status of Apex Anchor ................................................................. 32
4.1.4 Engineering Status of Tether Climber .............................................................. 32
4.1.5 Engineering Status of Tether............................................................................. 32
4.1.6 Engineering Status of GEO Region .................................................................. 33
4.2 Preliminary Program Schedule ................................................................................ 34

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Chapter 5: Space Elevator Program Status ................................................................... 35
5.1 Current Imperative! .................................................................................................. 35
5.2 Summer of 2019 Space Elevator Themes ................................................................ 35
5.2.1 Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think................................... 35
5.2.2 Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is part of this global and interplanetary
transportation infrastructure .......................................................................................... 36
5.2.3 Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a preliminary
technology readiness assessment and is ready to enter initial engineering validation
testing -- leading to establishment of needed capabilities............................................ 36
5.2.4 Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture demands that
it be understood and supported by many. ..................................................................... 38
5.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 39

Chapter 6: The Future of Galactic Harbours ................................................................ 40

6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 40
6.2 First Big Step ........................................................................................................... 40
6.3 Space Elevator Institute Charter .............................................................................. 41
6.4 The Future ................................................................................................................ 41

Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 42
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................... 42
Appendix B: Space Elevator Lexicon ............................................................................... 48
Appendix C: Summary ISEC Studies .............................................................................. 53
Appendix D: Summary of IAA Studies ........................................................................... 56
Appendix E: Summary of ISEC Architectural Notes ...................................................... 61
Appendix F: List of Space Elevator References .............................................................. 66
List of Space Elevator References .................................................................................... 66
• Baseline Documents ................................................................................................ 66
• ISEC Studies ............................................................................................................ 66
• Architecture ............................................................................................................. 66
• Systems Engineering ............................................................................................... 66
• Management ............................................................................................................ 66
• Tether Materials and Design.................................................................................... 66
• Environmental [debris, radiation, Ox, electromagnetic] ......................................... 66
• Tether Dynamics and Electrodynamics ................................................................... 66
• In the Atmosphere [Earth Port, Multi-Stage, HQ/POC] .......................................... 66
• Tether Climbers Design and Power ......................................................................... 66
• NODES [GEO, Apex Anchor, Gates & Centers] .................................................... 66
• Lunar and mars Elevators ........................................................................................ 66
• Miscellaneous .......................................................................................................... 66
Appendix G: Description of ISEC ................................................................................. 105

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 Chapter 1: Introduction

1.0 Space Elevator Program

The need for a Space Elevator program was recognized during the early part of the
21st century which lead to the formation of the International Space Elevator
Consortium. This activity supported engineering studies and technical conferences
discussing various aspects of a future Space Elevator and then a Galactic Harbour.
Over the 11 years of ISEC's life, the Space Elevator program went from concept to
engineering reality, although very preliminary and fragile. The essential elements
motivating the volunteers within this organization revolve around the conviction
that mankind must become a space-faring society and the realization of how much
the initiation of a Space Elevator will further the well-being of the Earth and its
inhabitants. This hope for the future was reflected inside its own vision and
mission.

• Vision: A world with inexpensive, safe, routine, and efficient access to space
for the benefit of all mankind.
• Mission: The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) promotes the
development, construction and operation of a Space Elevator (SE).
• Infrastructure as a revolutionary and efficient way to space for all humanity.
ISEC is made up of individuals and organizations from all around the world
who share a vision of mankind in space.

One of the persistent questions that is asked deals with the availability of tether
material. This report begins with early demonstrated evidence that the material for
Space Elevator tethers is real and has been produced in the laboratory. The chosen
material is single crystal graphene with several universities producing half meter
long by one tenth meter wide single crystals with tensile strengths that could
support the Space Elevator. Across the history of the Space Elevator, the need for a
material for a Space Elevator tether is obvious. As the recognition that single crystal
graphene can finally be said to handle the stresses required and can be grown in
lengths appropriate for Space Elevator tethers, the last technological victory seems
to have happened. We have a material that should be ready for us when we need it
(in the late 20's). [note: there are two additional materials which could work,
currently backups for Space Elevator tethers: single crystal boron-nitride and
advanced Carbon Nanotubes] It would seem that now that the material is identified,
the program should naturally jump ahead. Indeed, that is where we are:

The Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour
Concepts are ready for Prime Time

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1.1 Mission Strengths

Why Space Elevators? This key question must be answered each time ISEC
produces a book or report as we must encourage, enthrall, challenge, explain, and
provide hope for our global community of supporters, stakeholders and those we
seek to influence. To anyone who periodically looks up from their chair and
searches the heavens for the future of humanity, it is obvious that we are moving
off-planet in a major fashion, and in the near future. In addition to regular American,
Russian and European space activities, the Chinese have landed a rover on the Moon
and are planning a space station. The Indians have orbited a spacecraft around
Mars and the Japanese have a module attached to the International Space Station
(ISS). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion
Lab (JPL) have identified over 1,300 near-Earth asteroids that are relatively easy
rendezvous from Earth. There are three companies investing in mining resources on
asteroids while there are multiple companies preparing to create small habitats on
the Moon. In addition, there is a rocket company (SpaceX) that plans on building a
colony of greater than 10,000 people on Mars within its CEO’s lifetime.

To ensure that these dreams are encouraged and made successful, there must be a
change in the approach to travel within our solar system. The cost to orbit must
become a very small part of the overall investment and the arena must support
infrastructures that can be used multiple times, not thrown away each time they are
used. When one looks at the concept of Space Elevators, the answer is obvious. The
future of humanity’s travel within our solar system requires a Space Elevator
infrastructure that provides access to space that have the following strengths1:

• Routine [daily] access to space
• Revolutionarily inexpensive [<$100 per kg] to GEO and beyond
• Commercial development similar to bridge building
• Financial Numbers that are infrastructure enabling
• Permanent infrastructure [24/7/365/50 years]
• Multiple paths when infrastructure matures
• Massively re-usable, no consumption of fuels
• Environmentally sound/sustainable - will make Earth "greener"
• Safe and reliable [no shake, rattle and roll of rocket liftoff]
• Low risk lifting
• Low probability of creating orbital debris
• Redundant paths as multiple sets of Space Elevators become operational
• Massive loads per day [starts at 14 metric tons cargo loads]
• Opens up tremendous design opportunities for users
• Optimized for geostationary orbit altitude and beyond
• Does not leave debris in LEO
• Co-orbits with GEO systems for easy integration
1
Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics Study Report, Space Elevators: An
Assessment of the Technological Feasibility and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2013)
ISBN-13: 978-2917761311

2

The bottom line for Space Elevators, and the solar system, is that they open up
humanity’s hopes and needs to expand beyond the limited resources and
environment of our own planet. A Space Elevator is the enabling infrastructure
ensuring humanity’s growth within and beyond our solar system. There are two
main reasons why the human race needs Space Elevator infrastructures:

• Chemical rockets cannot get us to and beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
economically.
• Space Elevators will enable programs to make the Earth "greener" with daily
environmental liftoffs as well as enabling space based solar power and other
environmentally enhancing activities.

1.2 Themes
At this time in Space Elevator transportation infrastructure development, there are
four themes that need to be emphasized and understood. Each of these strengthens
the position that Space Elevators are ready to begin development. This book's
approach should help developers to understand what is next and how to accomplish
it through the leveraging of our strengths. During the International Space
Development Conference in June of 2019, these themes were presented and
discussed at length. The themes are presented here:

• Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think!
• Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is a part of this global and interplanetary
transportation infrastructure
• Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a
preliminary technology readiness assessment and is ready to enter initial
engineering validation testing -- leading to establishment of needed
capabilities.
• Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture demands
that it be understood and supported by many.

In Chapter Five, these four themes for the summer of 2019 are expanded upon.
Significant verification for each positive statement comes from finished study
reports from ISEC and the International Academy of Astronautics. In parallel with
the study results shown from these reports, there will be other assets to pursue for
information. The appendices contain many further discussions and facts, to include
a quick summary of ISEC Architectural Notes. In addition, one of the Appendices
will answer "Frequently Asked Questions." Each of these documents will help the
reader understand where the Space Elevator is today and where it must go in the
future.

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1.3 Interplanetary Mission Support - Mission Expansion
The Space Elevator is the Galactic Harbour, and an essential part of the global and
interplanetary transportation infrastructure. In the community of off-planet
movement with NASA's newest move to put boots on the Moon by 2024, Space
Elevators must be part of the discussions. The key here is that daily, routine,
inexpensive, massive movement of payloads towards the Moon and Mars is a
strength of the Apex Anchor with high velocity and daily launch windows. Recent
research has demonstrated the strengths of Space Elevators with respect to future
missions to the Moon, Mars, asteroids and beyond. This research has shown that
releasing from an Apex Anchor enables rapid transit times to Mars as low as 77 days
while enabling releases every day of the year. The research at Arizona State
University has determined that release from the Apex Anchor will enable daily,
massive, safe and inexpensive support to humanities expansion off-planet. Can you
imagine "bus schedules" for logistics support to the Moon and Mars? This becomes
the transportation story of the 21st Century.

1.4 Status of Space Elevator Progress Towards "Show

me" (Fall of 2019)

The Fall of 2019 will soon be recognized as a "Sea State Change" in the development
of Space Elevators. ISEC has shown that the concept of Space Elevators has moved
beyond Preliminary Technological Assessment. This surfaced after:
• ISEC produced eight year-long studies with resulting reports (Appendix E).
• The International Academy of Astronautics produced two study reports
supporting the concept (Appendix D).
• The Obayashi Corporation conduced an independent study that focused upon
humans on the Space Elevator and massive movement of space based solar
satellites to GEO (see titles in bibliography in Appendix F).
• Internal ISEC assessments were provided within a series of Chief Architect's
Notes. (see www.isec.org).
• The agendas of major international space agencies are aligning to target
human presence and/or settlements on the Moon and Mars.

As such, the Space Elevator team believes it has laid out a baseline of engineering
details resulting in this "Sea State Change" along with a recognition of the
remarkable potential for new and innovative missions for interplanetary support.
This naturally leads to the need for others to recognize our approach and successes.
All this analysis was based upon the statement:

Show me the Numbers!
Yes, we can show you the numbers!

This requirement to "show the numbers" was met over the last ten years with
constant analyses and specific study topics focusing experts on topics of interest.
The following few paragraphs show the gestation of this statement and the proof

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that we are definitely moving past the Preliminary Technological Assessment of
Space Elevators towards development and operations.

2000 - 2003: Brad Edwards set the stage for a transition from a “thought
experiment2” to a solid engineering design. He took the Space Elevator community
from Jerome Pearson's (1975) and Yuri Artsutanov's (1960) estimates of what a
Space Elevator could be using with deployed tethers. Brad rejected NASA’s
conference results (1998) which included cryogenic electromagnetic engines and an
estimate of possibility within “300 years.” He took us to an engineering solution
that showed numbers and provided estimated answers. He was still basing it upon
the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and their promise, which have not, as yet,
developed in the tensile strength arena - YET. He set the stage for the modern day
Space Elevator while showing the numbers.

2008 - 2019: The Academicians of the International Academy of Astronautics
(IAA) conducted a four year study with 40 space experts and published in 20133.
They:
• Established engineering solutions and concepts
• Targeted a tether tensile strength of 50 GPa (gigapascals) instead of 150
GPa, assuming a density of 1.3 g/cc.
• Shifted to solar power vs. ground lasers [however, left option open as an
alternative]
• Broadened the possible tether material to include CNT and/or Boron Nitride
nanotubes.

The second study looked at the "Road to the Space Elevator Era." [Swan, 2019] In
this four year study with 30 global space experts, the conclusions were4:
• The Earth Port, Headquarters & Operations Center, and Tether Climbers are
all buildable with today’s available technologies and engineering expertise.
• The GEO (geosynchronous equatorial orbit) Node, GEO Region, and Apex
Anchor technologies are understandable and not an issue for development.
• The tether material is the pacing item for the development of Space
Elevators. Currently, there are three viable materials that could grow into
the needed strong-enough and long-enough material for a Space Elevator:
carbon nanotubes, boron nitride nanotubes and single crystals, and
continuous growth graphene. The community waits for those materials to
mature to the level that can be used as a Space Elevator tether 100,000 km
long and strong enough to support its own weight plus multiple tether
climbers against the pull of gravity. Recent investigations explored the
possibility for making single crystal graphene by a continuous process using
liquid metal. It seems highly possible that continuous single crystal graphene
will be manufactured in the coming years and this material should be

2
Einstein's concept of Thought Experiment as an approach to thinking about complex
topics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein%27s_thought_experiments
3
Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of
the Technological Feasibility and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2013) ISBN-13: 978-
2917761311
4
Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era, Virginia
Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3

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 considered going forward for Space Elevator tethers.

2010 - 2016: In parallel, the Obayashi Corporation invested its own money into
Space Elevator designs for Japanese needs (2015)5:
• Their driving functions were the transport of people to GEO and space-based
solar power satellites for Japanese energy needs.
• As such, they went back to 150 GPA tethers for safety and the larger demand
in loads.
• They wanted people on Space Elevators [requires safety double cable system
and stronger cables].
• Their initial location is the far western Pacific vs. center of Pacific.

Both of these later concepts (IAA & Obayashi) were building upon the ideas of Brad
Edwards as.
• they were based upon engineering numbers and calculations, and
• they are doable with a material at high tensile strengths

2008 - 2019: Since 2008, there have been multiple study groups assessing current
and future Space Elevator concepts. The ISEC list of study reports on all segments of
the system [as well an Architect's Notes] filled in some significant shortfalls that
were in the Brad Edwards study. The appendix lists these studies and summarizes
their results. In addition, the Architectural Notes by ISEC's Chief Architect relate
directly to successes during this formative development phase. The Galactic
Harbour concept evolved and was discussed at many venues in 2017. This concept
ties the Space Elevator transportation system into a concept where commercial
enterprises flourish and enhance the overall business case for Space Elevators.

Year Study Title
2020 Interplanetary Mission Support (in development)
2019 ISEC Outreach Program (in draft)
2018 Design Considerations for Multi-Stage Space Elevator
2017 Design Considerations for Space Elevator Modeling and Simulation
2016 Design Considerations for GEO Node and Apex Anchor
2015 Design Considerations for Earth Port
2014 Space Elevator Architectures and Roadmaps
2013 Design Considerations for the Tether Climber
2012 Space Elevator Concept of Operations
2010 Space Elevator Survivability and Space Debris Mitigation

2018 - present: We believe we have a material that will approach the 150 GPa
tether requirement. Although the IAA/ISEC approach needs much less than the old
requirement, the new material [Single Crystal Graphene] could be manufactured in
long lengths as “single crystals.6” (130 GPa, with a density of 2.2g/cc). The minimum
requirement is 84 GPa at this density. This “announcement” of a suitable material
can not be made quite yet — there are a few more hurdles to beat before it can be

5
Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation, 2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
6
Nixon, Adrian, Update on Graphene as a Tether Material. 2019 International Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.

6
claimed; however, experts in the know on this material are confident that it can be
matured into a tether material for Space Elevators. The estimate for long tether
material strong enough for Space Elevators is the late 2030's. . A recent letter from
Nixene Ltd. stated:

"Joint planning between ISEC and Nixene Ltd anticipates the development
testing and deployment of the Space Elevator tether within the next
decade or two at a cost of $30bn." (see letter at end of chapter)

2019 - present: Our community exists because Brad Edwards showed it could
be done — with engineering estimates and real numbers. We believe this "show
me" approach helps us remain credible. During the past 19 years, the emphasis has
been on how to build. We now have a vision that surpasses Brad Edwards’. He was
serving Earth. We are expanding beyond Earth. That is why ISEC insists on saying ...
that the Galactic Harbour is the transportation story of this century. Our vision:
• It is a Galactic Harbour which connects the vertical with the horizontal. It is a
ride to anywhere and everywhere.
• It co-locates interplanetary exploration with interplanetary trade and
mission support. The Galactic Harbour will ensure the interplanetary
paradigm will be robust and exciting.
• It feeds and powers much of Earth; while, it offers clean power
• Mission support from Galactic Harbours become the enabling factor in
humanity's expansion off-planet.
• The Galactic Harbour is the future of Space Elevators

Our expansive vision of Brad Edwards’ baseline isn’t just bigger, it is more inclusive
and more demanding. The new vision impacts are to be felt by everyone -- from
now on. In addition, the Space Elevator team feels that the development of a Space
Elevator program is on an aggressive path to success. Already, the baton is being
passed from the co-inventor (Jerome Pearson) to the Innovative Thinkers (ISEC
members + others like JSEA) and now towards the students.

1.5 Establishing a Space Elevator Institute

The establishment of a Space Elevator Institute is the logical next step as the
community believes it is ready to step out briskly towards development. The key
mission for the Institute would be to consolidate the current designs into a program
and investigate the arena in which the Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour can
provide support. This Institute will be chartered to look at the emerging strategic
mosaic of space, and to study the remaining unknowns of developing the Space
Elevator. The global movement off-planet and the phenomenal capabilities around
the world in space are coming together during the 20's and early 30's to change not
only space activities, but the human condition on our planet. We are no longer just
going to space, we will be conducting exploration, research, military operations,
trade and commercial enterprises. Low cost access to space will revolutionize the
conduct of business beyond the atmosphere. Entrepreneurs will rapidly expand
into the void of space developing businesses no one has thought of before.
Countries will be leveraging their space strengths to expand the hopes and dreams

7
of their people. Explorers will no longer be test pilots exclusively, but reflect the
population of Earth.

Because of all these remarkable "movements," not only will the Space Elevator
Institute focus on the transportation infrastructure, but would also focus on the vast
array of questions still to be answered. The placement of the Space Elevator inside
the strategic mosaic of space will ensure that the exploitation of the tremendous
new access to space will leverage the lessons of history and enhance the safety of
the enterprise. On the engineering and development side, the codification of the
engineering transportation infrastructure will solidify the segment to segment
relationships and support the satisfaction of system level requirements in
preparation for design activities. The second main thrust of the Institute will be to
focus on investigations into such areas as funding approaches, relationships with
supporting governments around the world, discovering its rightful place within
interplanetary support activities, and determining the best approaches to develop
the Enterprise Infrastructure across Galactic Harbours. The ability to assess current
and near term activities with an historical view will make this new concept of a
strategic space mosaic even more enticing to future generations. The Institute will
focus on:
• Leading diverse teams in the investigation of very different topics
• Formulating frameworks for new businesses to develop along the Space
Elevator
• Establishing cooperative and collaborative study forums to address critical
questions dealing with the Space Elevator's future
• Communicate the ideas, conclusions and concerns of the Institute, and
• Advocate Space Elevator solutions for moving off-planet and mission support
of so many known and a vast number of unknown missions in the future.

The Space Elevator Institute will be instrumental in transitioning across the
generations and will ensure the baton is passed to the young and innovative
thinkers.

1.6 Overview of Chapters

This book is organized around the concept of "show me" and 16 years of
advancements beyond the Dr. Edwards' modern Space Elevator. The initial chapter
illustrated the "why" of Space Elevators while showing some basic realizations of
where we are and where we came from. Chapter Two will explain what the Space
Elevator and the Galactic Harbours are with a current (Fall 2019) baseline
architecture. Chapter three will show the Architectural approach along with the
systems engineering status with a baseline schedule. Chapter four will delve into
each segment of the system and show the conclusions of a major study completed by
the International Academy of Astronautics [Swan, 2019] along with results form
several ISEC year-long studies. Chapter five will jump into the four themes and
justify the engineering claims with respect to program status. These four themes
represent the Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour status for the fall of 2019.
Chapter six will lay the foundation for the future. Significant information will also
be available within the Appendix List:

8

Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix B: Space Elevator Terminology
Appendix C: Summary of ISEC Studies
Appendix D: Summary of IAA Studies
Appendix E: Summary of ISEC Architectural Notes
Appendix F: Space Elevator References
Appendix G: ISEC Description

1.7 Letter from Nixene Ltd in support of Tether Material

One of the developments in the last year or so is the availability of a material called
Single Crystal Graphene that appears to be suitable for Space Elevator tethers.
There is tremendous potential for this material in several uses; however, Nixene Ltd
is also working on a space elevator tether.

"Nixene Ltd is a low profile start-up graphene manufacturing
company based in Manchester, UK. It has developed a concept
to make single crystal graphene by a high-speed continuous
manufacturing process. The founding purpose of this company
is to make the material for the space elevator tether." (see letter
following)

Nixene Ltd

Nobel prize winning discovery

unlocks the potential of the Space Elevator
The Space Elevator
Launch a satellite into orbit and lower a tether down to the earth surface. Then climb
up the tether into space. That is the basic concept of the space elevator. This might
sound like science fiction, but NASA and the International Academy for Astronautics
(IAA) have funded feasibility studies to show this can be made a practical reality [1]
[2]. Everything can be done with today’s technology apart from one element – the
tether requires a material strong and light enough to support its own weight and that
of the payload. Until recently the candidate material was carbon nanotubes but
manufacturing this material in the quantities needed has proved a challenge too far.

The Nobel Prize Discovery: Graphene

In 2010 two scientists at the University of Manchester, UK won the Nobel prize for
discovering and isolating a new material called graphene [3]. Graphene is a new
form of carbon 200 times stronger than steel yet flexible and transparent. It is the
world’s best conductor of heat and electricity. It has the highest melting point of any
known material and is non-toxic [4]. This led to the discovery of a whole new class of
materials called 2 dimensional (2D) materials. ISEC staff have shown that graphene
is strong enough and light enough to make the space elevator tether [5]

Graphene is in the laboratory and is being developed rapidly by

commercial industry with great potential (also for space elevator
tethers)

Like any new technology, graphene has suffered from a certain amount of
overhyping in recent years. Graphene is emerging from the hype and real-world
applications are starting to emerge. To navigate the emerging technology, you need
to understand there are two important forms of graphene,
Graphene Powder
Single Crystal Graphene
Single Crystal Graphene is the form that will ultimately manufacture the space
elevator tether.

Current graphene manufacturing: 1 – Graphene Powder

Graphene is starting to revolutionise manufacturing. It is currently made in powder
form and the Ford Motor company is already making quieter, stronger cars in the
USA. For example, the 2019 Ford Mustang is now graphene enhanced [6].
Graphene powder has been added to asphalt roads in Italy where it doubles the
service life of the highway [7]. However, graphene powder cannot be used to make
the space elevator tether.

10

 Nixene Ltd

Current graphene manufacturing: 2 – Single Crystal Graphene

Single crystal graphene is the term used to describe a large-scale sheet of graphene
with no defects. Making this material as a single molecule of carbon at the macro
scale was thought impossible until the Chinese made this in the laboratory in July
2017 [8]. Since then other laboratories in China, South Korea and the USA have
made single crystal graphene.

Manufacturing space elevator tether quality graphene – Nixene®

Nixene Ltd is a low profile start-up graphene manufacturing company based in

Manchester, UK. It has developed a concept to make single crystal graphene by a
high-speed continuous manufacturing process. The founding purpose of this
company is to make the material for the space elevator tether. This company is
based at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at Manchester, UK
and is part of the ecosystem of academics and industrial companies centred around
the Nobel Prize winning scientist who isolated graphene. Nixene Ltd is currently
seeking investment for the proof of concept process for manufacturing continuous
single crystal graphene. The aim is to make a completely new material from multi
layered graphene that is already being referred to as ‘Nixene®’

On the way to make space elevator tether quality material Nixene® has many other
uses. It can make ultra-lightweight armour, thermal shielding for hypersonic
vehicles, enable ultra-tall kilometres high buildings and also offer the potential to
create data cables with physical security that make them quantum computer proof.

The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) is in close contact with Nixene
Ltd and the CEO is now a board member of ISEC. Joint planning between ISEC and
Nixene Ltd anticipates the development testing and deployment of the space
elevator tether within the next decade or two at a cost of $30bn. More focussed
resources would probably accelerate this programme. However; with the success of
Nixene Ltd., the investment from the commercial arena is projected to be intense
with potential uses described earlier and such massive markets as flexible-touch-
screen devices, elevator tether for ultra-tall buildings (several km high) aircraft wings
and safety devices of all types. Space Elevator tether development will leverage this
massive commercial investment over the next several years.

Adrian Nixon

CEO, Nixene Ltd

12th September 2019

11

 Nixene Ltd

References:

1. Edwards, Bradley Carl. "The NIAC Space Elevator Program". (2003) NASA Institute for Advanced
Concepts
http://www.niac.usra.edu/studies/521Edwards.html
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
2. Swan, Peter A.; Raitt, David I.; Swan, Cathy W.; Penny, Robert E.; Knapman, John M.
(2013). Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility and the Way Forward.
Virginia, US: International Academy of Astronautics. pp. 10–11, 207–208. ISBN 9782917761311.
3. The Nobel Prize in Physics 2010. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB (2019) [online] Available at:
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2010/summary/
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
4. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Scientific background on the Nobel Prize in Physics
2010. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/advanced-physicsprize2010.pdf
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
5. Graphene and Space Elevators: An interview with Adrian Nixon, (2018) National Graphene
Association. https://www.nationalgrapheneassociation.com/news/graphene-and-space-elevators-
interview-with-adrian-nixon/
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
6. Ford Develops Car Parts Made Out of Graphene,(2019) Assembly Magazine.
https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/94540-ford-develops-car-parts-made-out-of-graphene
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
7. Successful first road trial results for Directa Plus, (2019) National Graphene Association.
https://www.nationalgrapheneassociation.com/news/successful-first-road-surface-trial-results-for-
directa-plus/
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
8. Large single-crystal graphene is possible, (2017) Phys.org.
https://phys.org/news/2017-07-large-single-crystal-graphene.html
[Accessed 8 September 2019]
9. New record on the growth of graphene single crystals (2019) Phys.org.
https://phys.org/news/2019-04-growth-graphene-crystals.html
[Accessed 8 September 2019]

12

 Chapter 2 Galactic Harbour and Space Elevator Baselines

This report has a basic set of assumptions that will establish system level baselines
for discussions. These are shown in this chapter with descriptions of a modern day
Galactic Harbour and a Space Elevator.

2.1 Preamble
The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) has the mission to promote
Space Elevator development. This requires that an understanding of where the
concept comes from and how far along the project is. This leads to understanding
the key historical lessons learned and recognition of the people who have
contributed along the path of progress. This report lays out the need, and suggested
approaches, for understanding the Galactic Harbour and Space Elevator baselines.

The Galactic Harbour and Space Elevator status must be established and
strengthened. Identification of their strengths can be expressed in many ways; but,
one of the quickest ways is to leverage past studies and Architectural Notes. The
International Space Elevator Consortium has produced many programmatic and
engineering studies over the last ten years that are directly applicable. The
International Academy of Astronautics has produced two four-year study reports
that emphasize that the "Space Elevator is Feasible" and that we are on the "Road to
the Space Elevator Era. Each of these studies dealt with the future as the
researchers saw it. Over the last five years, the Chief Architect for ISEC has been
assessing various aspects of the development of Space Elevators and has recorded
those findings in his Architectural Notes. The study reports and Notes are the basis
for many of the conclusions and findings reflected within this book. The following
few quick pages will help establish the basis for a Space Elevator and Galactic
Harbour transportation infrastructure.

2.2 The Physical Soundness of the Space Elevator Concept

The foundation of any engineering project is a clear understanding of its physics. For the
space elevator the two main questions to answer are:
• can it be built?
• will it stay up?

The answer to both is: Yes.

2.2.1 Physical feasibility
The feasibility of a tensile space elevator, given a strong enough tether material, has
been known for decades78910. The basic physics relies upon the balance of the Earthward

7
Y. Artsutanov, “V Kosmos na Electrovoze,” Komsomolskaya Pravda, 1960.
8
J.D. Isaacs, A.C. Vine, H. Bradner and G.E. Bachus, “Satellite Elongation into a True Sky-Hook,” Science 151, pp. 682-683 (1966).

13

gravitational force and the outward centrifugal force due to the Earth’s rotation. How to
build a structure that can support itself and climbers full of payloads using a minimum of
material for a tether has a well-understood solution.

2.2.2 Stability
The space elevator is not a static structure. Its dynamic behavior while complex, is well-
understood. An essential property of such a system is its stability. If the tether is
disturbed in some way, will it return to its equilibrium state? A properly designed space
elevator will do exactly that. This is due to gravity gradient stabilization11 which is an
effect of the inverse square law of gravity. If, for example, a space elevator is knocked
one way or the other out of vertical, the resulting force on the tether is back towards the
vertical. There will then be an overshoot of vertical, followed by a return again towards
vertical. This sets up oscillations in the space elevator which can be dampened passively
and/or actively. Understanding these oscillations is the main work of space elevator
calculations and simulations. They arise from many forces such as; the motion of
climbers on the tether, the non-sphericity of the Earth, the tidal effects of the Moon and
Sun, the electromagnetic interaction of the tether with the magnetosphere, and the
electromagnetic effects of solar storms. To date, many of these effects have been
estimated; and none, so far, have posed a problem that cannot be solved or
mitigated121314.

2.2.3 Conclusion
There are no essential physical uncertainties or obstacles to the construction of a space
elevator. To be sure, unforeseen interactions of forces will arise as the project is studied
in greater detail, but as for now, no insurmountable problems have arisen. The space
elevator baseline presented in paragraph 2.5 is the result of a sound physical description
of the forces and materials involved.

2.3 What is a Modern Day Galactic Harbour?

For the purpose of this book, a Space Elevator is a remarkable transportation
infrastructure leveraging the rotation of the Earth to raise payloads from the Earth’s
surface into our solar system and beyond. It is indeed a part of a global
transportation infrastructure. In a mature environment where Space Elevators are
thriving in business and commerce, there would be several (probably up to ten)
spread around the equator, each with a capability of lifting greater than 14 metric
tons of payload per day, routinely and inexpensively. The Galactic Harbour will be
the area encompassing the Earth Port [covering the ocean where incoming and

9
J. Pearson, “The Orbital Tower: a spacecraft launcher using the Earth’s rotational energy,” Acta Astronautica 2, pp. 785-799
10
B.C. Edwards and E.A. Westling, “The Space Elevator: A Revolutionary Earth-to-Space Transportation System,” published by
B.C. Edwards, Houston, Texas, 2003.
11
V.V. Beletsky and E.M. Levin, “Dynamics of Space Tether Systems,” p 21, published for the American Astronautical Society by
Univelt, Inc., San Diego, California (1993).
12
L. Perek, “Space Elevator: Stability,” Acta Astronautica 62, pp. 514-520 (2008).
13
S.S. Cohen and A.K. Misra, “The effect of climber transit on the space elevator dynamics,” Acta Astronautica 64, pp. 538-553
(2009).
14
A.M. Jorgensen and S.E. Patamia, “How Do Intense Magnetic Storms Affect a Space Elevator,” 64th International Astronautical
Congress, Beijing, paper # IAC-13-D4.3, 8X18785 (2013).

14



outgoing
ships/helicopters and

airplanes operate] and

stretches, in a cylindrical

shape, to include tethers

and other aspects

outwards towards its

Apex Anchors.

In summary, customer

product/payloads

[satellites, people,
resources, etc.] will enter
the Galactic Harbour
around the Earth Port and
exit along the tether [to
LEO (low earth orbit),
GEO regions, Mars, Moon,
asteroids, intergalactic,

and towards the sun,

dependent upon where it

is released]. The “Galactic

Harbour” is identified as
the transportation “port”
for the total transition
from the ocean to release
into space. The port will
be three dimensional, not
surface only. The concept
is that payloads come into
the Galactic Harbour.
They are processed and
released at some pier. The
GEO Node is a good
example of where a
communications payload
would be prepared for
release, powered up,
checked-out, and then
released towards its
assigned slot at GEO. The
intra-transportation
system is very similar to a Figure 1 Galactic Harbour (2017)
train operation,
movement on rails from one station (Port or Pier) to another. The difference is the
Galactic Harbour will be up to 100,000 km high for payloads to be released at Apex
Anchors.

15

The Galactic Harbour is the unification of Transportation and Enterprise15. As
payloads start to move throughout Space Elevator systems, a core construction
priority will drive businesses that will then lead to expansion beyond traditional
functions. One projection is that the GEO Region will entice the construction of large
enterprises to support non-traditional space businesses. A great representation of
the advancements in the Galactic Harbour concept is shown in the following image
of the Floating Operations Platform. This Galactic Harbour image shows the location
for the transition from ocean going transportation infrastructure to vertical
transportation infrastructure.

This copyrighted image of the Earth Port’s Floating Operations Platform is based upon
information presented in ISEC Position Paper #2015-1 entitled “Design Characteristics
of a Space Elevator Earth Port” (ISBN 978-1-329-91060-7) and studies by the principals
of Galactic Harbour Associates, Inc.

Figure 2, Floating Operations Platform

(with permission, Galactic Harbour Associates)


What one sees in the future are large commerce and industrial regions in space,

supported by this new, revolutionary space access transportation system -- an

elevator. A needed capability is the generation of power to be projected down to the

surface of the Earth from geosynchronous altitude. Space based solar power

systems will no longer be restricted by huge costs for access to orbit or restrained

by rocket fairing sizes. Inexpensive delivery of payloads for construction purposes


Fitzgerald, Michael, “Galactic Harbour, a Strategic Vision Emerges,” Presentation at the National Space Society Conference, St.
15
May 2017.
Louis,


16



will lead to inexpensive power with almost zero carbon footprint on the surface of
the Earth. Another mainline purpose will be to provide inexpensive access to all
planets and moons in our solar system with routine release and capture enabled by
the lack of a need for huge rockets and consumption of massive amounts of fuel. As
the Space Elevator is built and deployed:

Galactic Harbours will unify transportation
and enterprise throughout the regions.

17





2.4 What is a Space Elevator


The elements of an historic Space Elevator system architecture (Figure 1) are

considered to comprise of:


Earth Port: An

ocean-going platform

at the equator that

supports movement

of payloads to and

from Space Elevator
climbers.


Tether: A modern

material that would

extend from the

surface of the ocean

to an altitude of

100,000km. The

material must be

remarkably strong

with a width and

depth still to be

determined (a width

of about one meter

with a depth of sub–

micron are thought

to be reasonable).

Tether Climber: The

‘box’ for the
transportation of

payloads. Current
models suggest it
will climb the tether

using wheels with
sufficient friction to Figure 1. Nodal Layout [chasedesignstudios.com]
Figure 3: Space Elevator Architecture (2013)
move up/down as (a Frank Chase image)
Why this study report?
needed when
Key to this tremendous global study effort is a realization by the International Academy of
supplied with power.

Astronautics (IAA) that if significant growth in global space enterprises is to occur, access to

GEO Node: An altitude equivalent to modern day GEO satellites for off-loading
space MUST become more economical. Many options have been proposed – re-usable

payloads into this commercially significant orbit.
launch vehicles, magnetic levitation, rail guns and gravity adaptations. The authors of this

study believe in a figure of $500/kg to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and are working
Apex Anchor Node: This would be the upper terminus at the high end (100,000 km
on one approach towards this end. This reduction in cost, by two orders of magnitude, will
altitude), and capable of on/off loading payloads. In addition, the Apex Anchor
make space accessible for anyone sufficiently motivated. It is too early in the development
would be part of the system to control the dynamics of the ribbon. At this altitude,
cycle to declare success; however, this report will show a path that could succeed. There are
many engineering, social, legal and financial challenges yet to be solved; however, this
document addresses solutions to18 most of them. In addition, the rewards to the global
environment would be remarkable – not least the safe disposal of nuclear waste. It is very
difficult to predict the future; but, the potential for space elevator success is tangible. At the
the release velocity enables fast transit to the Moon, Mars and other solar system
objects. Its value to interplanetary mission support will be revolutionary.

Headquarters/Primary Operations Center [HQ/POC]: This terrestrial location

will be where the day-to-day operations occur for both Space Elevator
transportation activities and business operations.

2.5 What is the Space Elevator Baseline?

When designing large complex space systems, there is a process which leads to
engineering baselines that relate to customer needs. The Space Elevator Baseline
will follow historic approaches within the space community.
Systems can be defined as interoperating parts, pieces, components,
subsystems, and/or segments with certain inputs, internal processes, and
outputs intended to accomplish a given objective or set of objectives. To
manage these independent entities as an operational system, it has become a
common practice to identify requirements for each piece-part based on the
operating concept of the system and its overarching architectural
framework. As these requirements are established at the highest level of the
system and allocated down to the appropriate segments, subsystems, or
components, it is a good practice to establish them as a requirement or
technical baseline.16

At this point in the development, the Transportation Baseline for the Galactic
Harbour is:
• One Earth Port (a Floating Operations Platform and two Tether Termini).
• One GEO Region enabling multiple mission satellites to operate safely.
• One Apex Region with an Apex Anchor at the end of each tether.
• One Headquarters and Primary Operations Center (a major portion of which
resides at the Earth Port FOP)
• Two tethers
• Operating Tether Climbers (estimates of seven per tether simultaneously),
and
• Three Adjunct Elements to support the overall architecture
o Space Debris Adjunct (mitigation and prevention)
o Space and Surface Object Adjunct for situational awareness
o Client Support and Management Adjunct

The Enterprise Baseline is not yet defined, but will be composed of many space
based enterprises such as space based power, spacecraft assembly and testing, in-
situ repair and refurbishment of space systems, as well a refueling on-orbit. These
business activities are the primary initial customers and clients for the

16
Willcox, TG, ESTABLISHING A PRODUCT BASELINE FOR GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM SATELLITES
THROUGH FUNCTIONAL AND PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION AUDITS, Masters Thesis, Naval Postgraduate School,
2011.

19

Transportation System; and as such, are the real source of transportation
requirements. The Galactic Harbour is a Transportation project with multiple Space
Elevators which will be supporting a growing set of customers and clients over time.
(such as, GEO region enterprises, interplanetary enterprises, research activities, and
more.) It is currently estimated that the GEO Region will become the busiest
segment as it will host loading/unloading of climbers, providing power and
communications to all enterprise activities, ensuring safe operations, and providing
the monitoring and controlling for safety within the region. A representation of this
activity at GEO is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4, Geosynchronous Region Activities

20

 Chapter 3: Architectural Approach

3.1 Introduction
Chapter Three shows the essence of the ISEC developmental program which stems
from the belief that the Space Elevator community is moving from NOW to THEN
and, of course, BEYOND. We envision moving from today – holding a vision of the
Space Elevator; to initial operations – a marvelously engineered space
transportation system; and to the full capability – to a gloriously robust enterprise
within Galactic Harbours. The reader will first be shown the Strategic Approach as
this sets the stage for any progress beyond today. The development of a plan of
action can only be accomplished within a strategic approach with consensus among
the significant developmental constituents. The next major topic for understanding
the heart of our technology maturation and engineering validation processes is
Sequences. This process is the source of our technical and intellectual fuel. Many of
the early steps will be repeated until we “get it” and repeated until we “get it right” -
- the essential definition of our perseverance. The next discussion will address the
milestones to be successfully reached. It documents, in summary form, how we have
entered the Space Elevator Era. The discussion explains how we moved from a
roadmap study in 2014 to today when we are ready to declare “Tech Ready.”

During the last 16 years, since Dr. Edwards’ modern day design of a Space Elevator,
there have been many approaches to proceed from concept to operations. The
International Space Elevator Consortium has conducted many studies on the topic
with a growing body of knowledge for this revolutionary transportation
infrastructure. As a mega-project, the basic developmental steps will evolve;
however, as it is a unique structure, there will be innovative concepts along the way.
While there are many similarities with other mega projects, the differences are
significant. This chapter will discuss the developmental process as it applies to the
Space Elevator and lay out a proposed sequence of major milestones that are
recognizable, measurable, and critical. A common understanding should flow
through a consensus of ideas from the ISEC’s body of knowledge leading to a
recognition of similarities and differences with other mega projects.

3.2 Space Architecture Starts with a Strategic Approach

The reader knows that ISEC has a “Strategic Approach” for the development of
Space Elevator. The community has spent much time discussing how to turn a long-
term vision into a long-term “plan.” The problem is that a plan usually implies
either a specific schedule or a specific budget -- usually both. The Chief Architect
has settled on the notion of “an approach;” disdaining the budget and schedule
specifics for now. How much and when are exigencies -- the approach is immutable.
Much of the following material was derived from the ISEC Architectural Note #9 as a
portion of the architectural approach chosen.

21

3.2.1 Overall Strategy for International Space Elevator Consortium

Our “strategy” is to link the Space Elevator Transportation

System to the Space Elevator Enterprise System
within a unifying vision: … the Galactic Harbour.

Why is there a need for an approach? For the most part, all of us agree that a Space
Elevator will be a transforming transportation project of this century. With it, we
can become a space faring people and support the planet with resources, energy,
and so much more. In the International Academy of Astronautics Study #3.24
(jointly being authored by ISEC and the Japanese Space Elevator team), ten major
categories of space endeavors are enumerated -- all enabled after Space Elevators
start working.17 In order to get Space Elevators working as a transportation system
we need an approach.

How is an approach; especially a strategic one, formed? Forming an approach is not
easy. The notion of “herding cats” immediately comes to mind. Herding researchers,
scientists and professors is worse. However, during 2016’s brainstorming session
at our Seattle ISEC Conference, the attendees were convinced that we needed some
order in the chaos. With some prodding, the team realized that the brainstorming
participants saw the difference between the elevator and the business done near it
and because of it. We had a first level of agreement and foresaw a “Space Elevator
Transportation System”.

After that conference, business and service functions would become part of a larger
whole. The brainstormers were, in effect, cautioning that we needed to be careful
that a Space Elevator Transportation System was not a “bridge to nowhere.” The
lesson of ‘bridge to nowhere’ is that, although a bridge is a separately engineered
entity, it must be built to service the locale in which it is located. It must also help or
enable improvement to that locale. In our minds, that means portraying our future
transportation system and the enabled businesses within a “Unifying Vision.” The
vision is unifying because, though our first chore is to build the transportation
system, it must be built to service the coming industries. Further, the transportation
system must be built in a way such that it merges with the entrepreneurial activity.
Hence the Space Elevator Transportation System merges with Space Elevator
Enterprises. This latter point is critical. The manifestation of the enterprise is that
it is an outgrowth of the transportation system. The transportation system must be
able to grow and become part of a thriving enterprise. They are separate; but, they
cannot be segregated from each other.

Breaking this into small steps requires some technical delineation. The team agreed
that a Space Elevator will be an enabling force in this century. The ISEC team will
begin a technical base lining activity which addresses how to get to Initial
Operations Capability [IOC] for both baselines of the Space Elevator systems. This
should enable:

17
Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era,
Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3

22

 a. The assignment of building two technical baselines to a small, technical,
system engineering working group.
b. Delineation of one of the two baselines:
i. Space Elevator Transportation System and
ii. Space Elevator Enterprise
c. The outlining of a the Space Elevator Transportation System baseline and
citing IOC as the first destination of that baseline. This activity has the
highest ISEC system engineering priority.
d. The outlining of a Space Elevator Enterprise baseline and explanation of its
IOC relative to the Space Elevator Transportation system. This activity must
have some system engineering priority.
The ISEC leadership team introduced the concept of the Space Elevator in the
context of a Galactic Harbour at the International Space Development Conference in
Saint Louis (6-9 June 2018). At that conference, they:
a. Stated that a Galactic Harbour is like most any other harbor -- a place of
interacting transportation, major commerce and business activities.
b. Noted the parallel with classic harbors: Los Angeles / New York / Hong Kong
/ Singapore, with the Port of Los Angeles cited specifically.
c. Identified that a classic harbor is a meeting place of two forms of
transportation: sea transportation and land transportation in our case.
d. Presented the example of a quick overview of The Port of Los Angeles vs. the
Space Elevator: sea faring meets space-faring.
ISEC sees building a Space Elevator Transportation System as its first responsibility.
The Strategic Approach enforces this and avoids building a galactic bridge to
nowhere.

3.2.2 Sequence of Development - Natural Approach

This section shows the projected engineering maturation of technical capabilities
for a Space Elevator as it goes from concept to an operational infrastructure. The
development of these projected sequences was accomplished during a one-year
study by the International Space Elevator Consortium on the topic “Design
Characteristics of the Space Elevator GEO Node, Apex Anchor and Communications
Architecture18.” Many of the words and developments derive from a paper by Peter
Swan at the International Astronautical Congress in 2017 in Guadalajara.19

Sequences - The orderly steps [events] we must go through
to reach Initial Operations Capability and go beyond20

The ability to actually develop a Space Elevator infrastructure requires many steps
sequentially building from the research and development phase through the single

18
Penny, Robert “Skip”, Design Considerations for Geo Node, Apex Anchor and Communications Architecture [on-
going 2016-2017]
19
Swan, P., Fitzgerald, M. "Space Elevator Development Sequence," IAC-16, paper and presentation, International Astronautical
Congress, Guadalajara, Sept 2016,. IAC-16-D4.3.8.
20
Fitzgerald, Michael. “Space Elevator Initial Operations Capability,” Paper and presentation at 2016 International
Space Elevator Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 2016.

23

string deployment, IOC, and finally to FOC. Part of our thinking is that the Space
Elevator will grow by adding functions and services.

Each sequence phase has its own sub-sequence -- perhaps uniquely so. For
example, the single string sequence might have sub-sequences of:
• Entrance criteria review,
• Simulation of the test event,
• Risk reduction and test data collection validation,
• Execution of the sequence phase itself,
• Assessment of the performance data collected, and Exit criteria review.

In the Projected Milestone Sequence as developed during the 2016 ISEC study, the
proposed sequences are Space Elevator Developmental Phases:
1. Pathfinder
2. Seed Tether
3. Single String Testing
4. Operational Testing
5. Limited Operational Capability (LOC)
6. Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
7. Capability On Ramps leading to FOC
8. Full Operational Capability (FOC)

Each sequential phases21 is explained here:

Pathfinder – The pathfinder initial step is designed as an in-orbit flight
demonstration of all possible sub-systems and elements of a Space Elevator. The
elements and sub-systems could include engineering models or simulations of the
Apex Anchor, Tether, GEO Node, Mars Gate, Marine Node, and Headquarters &
Primary Control Center with communications elements in place. It is essential to
note that this early pathfinder in-orbit experiment can be achieved using near-term
technologies – i.e. the tether material need not be a full-up Carbon Nano Tube or
single crystal graphene ribbon. It could perhaps be composed of Kevlar or beta
material of some type).

Seed Tether – This step in development will be the basis for a feasible first step in
building a Space Elevator – deployment. The estimate of the technological readiness
(in about 2031) will project for a much less capable ribbon being deployed and
captured by a “start-up” Earth Port. The seed tether would probably be close to
100,000 km long with an end mass acting as a counterweight. Immediately, the
buildup of the ribbon will be initiated with small climbers adding tether material in
order to strengthen the total system.

Single String Testing – In many ways Single String Testing is a specific version of
Operational Testing. Single string tests are conducted when a selected set of
functions for the Space Elevator – or one of the Space Elevator’s segments - are

21
Fitzgerald, Michael. “Space Elevator Initial Operations Capability,” Paper and presentation at 2016 International
Space Elevator Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 2016.

24

aligned and operating. In early forms, single string testing could “simply” be an end-
to-end simulation of a segment or even the entire architecture. Single string testing
is largely investigative -- aiding engineering progress and maturation. The Single
String tests will never be construed to be an operational capability; but, it is clearly a
necessary step.

Operational Testing – Operational testing is that set of test events intended to
validate that a system or segment performs as designed in an operational context.
Generally speaking, the tests envisioned here are defined based upon the extension
of the development specifications, system engineering approach, overall test plan,
and other such documents. Operational testing of the Tether Segment will require a
ribbon deployed at full length.

Limited Operational Capability (LOC) – The idea of Limited Operational Capability
(LOC) is similar to the baseball concept of spring training. All aspects of the
Architecture are included when the hardware has been operationally deployed.
This phase is good for assessing whether operational personnel are knowledgeable
and trained, that payload customers are aware and understand how this Space
Elevator works for them, and operational instruction documents (checklists) are
finalized and vetted with “real” operations and operators.

Initial Operational Capability (IOC) – One key point about the IOC is that system
engineering competency is part of what IOC is. These “engineering competencies” –
validated by execution of the sequenced events – are the functional requirements of
the Space Elevator at IOC. The Space Elevator will function as designed and tested,
with safety, with certainty, be well observed, and in communications contact with
HQ/POC. The ISEC also sees the Space Elevator as a valued part of the space
business enterprise in the latter part of this century: a useful – indeed valued –
partner with a wide set of business entities. That business value relationship is part
of what the IOC is. IOC is also an enabling step to points beyond. The ISEC sees an
Initial Operational Capability for the Space Elevator composed of three valuable
entities: 1) mature system engineering competency, 2) solid business value to
investors and customers, and finally, 3) a foundation for future growth.

Capability On-Ramps Leading to FOC – The need for Space Elevator capability
growth after IOC is obvious; but to be clear, the Space Elevator post-IOC on ramp
activity will be a formal process by which we add more of the IOC functionalities,
improved versions of the IOC functionalities, and new Space Elevator functionalities.
Many see the on ramp as “primarily” the way we bring new missions aboard. A
prime example of that is the consideration of when a second tether becomes
operational. The sequence approach simplifies that consideration. The second
tether will immediately follow the first.

Full Operational Capability (FOC) – The visionary aspect of the Architecture includes
tourism, interplanetary travel staging, hospitals, factories, power generation and a
multitude of operational support services. The Full Operational Capability vision of
a Space Elevator will expand with time and be achieved by expansion via the more,
better, or new paradigm. The basis of each expansion will be the engineering

25

maturation achieved by progressing through the sequenced steps cited in this
paper.

Conclusions: The Space Elevator Body of Knowledge needs to increase in its
understanding of the growth of Space Elevators from a concept to operations. This
concept was developed to explain the projected sequence of events. The
development of a Space Elevator will be complex and take place over many years,
but there has to be an initial projection of what that would look like.

3.3 Engineering Stages - Where are We?

This discussion addresses a milestone for all members of ISEC. It documents, in
summary form, how we have entered the Space Elevator Era. The discussion
explains how we moved from a roadmap study in 2014 to today -- ready to declare
“Tech Ready.” All readers should at least examine the graphics and understand
them. Industry must now get involved and ISEC should help them. The majority of
this discussion has come from ISEC's Architectural Note #24.

In the last six years, ISEC’s Technology Maturation approach has melded with a
better definition of a Space Elevator engineering solution. The 2014 publication of
ISEC’s “Architecture and Roadmap” Report removed the shroud of mystery and
myth from the Elevator’s scope and complexity. The elevator was no longer a
mystery. “Design Consideration” documents published between 2013 and 2017
delineated the engineering approach for the Tether Climber, Earth Port, GEO Region,
and Apex Anchor.

An Architecture

simulation tool was

selected. The last

technology hurdle -

strong material for

the tether – was

conquered. Based

upon this technology

maturity, and its
engineering
momentum, we

expect that before

the middle of this

century a Space
Elevator

Transportation

System will be built

and operating.
Further, the
engineering

substance of the

Space Elevator has
solidified and Figure 5, Space Elevator Description


26

become organized -- most notably as the Galactic Harbour. The Galactic Harbour
will support enterprise activities along the GEO belt, factories and solar power
generation near GEO, efficient interplanetary departures from the Apex and arrivals
at GEO. Ultimately, products and materials will be delivered from space to the Earth
Port. All this is closer than you think!

The technology momentum of the Galactic Harbour is real; and it underwrites the
interplanetary vision of transportation, enterprise, and exploration. In the last year,
the International Space Elevator Consortium asserted that the basic technologies
needed are available; and, that each segment of the Space Elevator Transportation
System is ready for engineering validation. The ISEC position has developed as
follows:
1. The Galactic Harbour Earth Port is ready for an engineering validation
program
2. An engineering validation program for the Space Elevator Headquarters /
Primary Operations Center is ready to begin.
3. Tether Climbers development should start with engineering model
assemblies, followed by an engineering validation program.
4. GEO Node engineering discussions and demonstrations can be accomplished
with key members of industry and collaboration / outreach with certain
government offices.
5. Apex Anchor is in the middle of engineering discussions and various
simulations. Near term collaboration with engineering organizations and
academia should be started.
6. Tether material is now "real." A prime material candidate has been
identified. Production demonstrations are needed.
7. Collision avoidance needs have led to architecture engineering definitions
which are being finalized. Candidate concepts have been identified. On orbit
performance demonstrations are needed.

3.3.1 The Space Elevator is nearing the end of the Technology

Development Phase

During the 2014 road mapping effort, it seemed evident that within the envisioned
Space Elevator Architecture, new entities and technologies would be required,
engineering approaches would need refinement, and new materials would need to
be found. A technology development approach was built based upon a development
approach of “Show Me.” They were essentially a set of well-constructed
demonstrations, inspections, tests, simulations, experiments and analyses - best
conducted by industry (as industry will be building the elevator). ISEC also noted
that each segment of the elevator has its own challenges and will likely need to
resolve those challenges in segment unique manner. The technology and
engineering issues facing something at the equator and in the middle of the Pacific
Ocean are not directly relatable to something at the APEX Anchor at 100,000
kilometers above the equator in the middle of “Outer Space.” As much as the issues
are dissimilar; they are the same. They must be defined and their solutions found.
After that it must be determined if something can be built from them. The work

27




Figure 5, Space Elevator Description


retains that theme. ISEC’s technology development follows a tried and true

sequence. The approach extends the thinking of industry / commercial Technology
Plans.

Technology Engineering Design Mission

Feasibility Validation Validation Operations

Figure 6, Engineering Developmental Phases

The progress within the plan continues to be based upon an iterative
approach
to risk mitigation. Recurring Technology Readiness Assessments
culminating
in operations demonstrations & prototypes such as success at Initial
Operational Capability are required

22.

WE are here!

Technology Engineering Design Mission

Feasibility Validation Validation Operations

Figure 7, We are Here, Between Phases

The ISEC team has been assessing the technology feasibility situation since 2008. In

recent times, the team has begun an open dialog with those members of industry,
academia, and others; who could be the deliverers of ISEC solutions. Industry
(especially) will show how the needed technologies are being matured and when
they could be dependably available. These readiness assessments are the Phase
One exit criteria:

• Document technology readiness state. Determine if the technologies are State of
Art (SOA) or State of the Industry (SOI) or State of the Market (SOM)

• Establish readiness level rationale for all portions of the Program. Given that the
technology availability has been demonstrated the level of readiness can be
established for each program segment
Figure 8, Operations is Downstream, the Fourth Phase
• Set Success Criteria regarding Engineering Validation – the second phase.
Prudent acquisition planning calls for an early design reviews. “Show me” means
a lot at this point.

Fitzgerald, Michael, Space Elevator Pathway to Technology Maturity … and Beyond, From Fountains to Tech Ready. presented at
22
International Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
2019


28



 Figure 7, We are Here, Between Phases

Figure 8, Operations is Downstream, the Fourth Phase




3.3.2
Phase two: Validate engineering approaches

Phase two will begin soon after phase one completion. Industry involvement is an

imperative. Phase two activities are driven by six major activities:

• Examine Industry’s production foundation
• Determine if the segments can be built
• Assess schedule & technical risk
• Delineate design criteria
• Set criteria and standards to enter the Design Validation Phase

• Baseline operations performance:

29

 Chapter 4: Systems Engineering Status

4.1 Systems Engineering Status - Where are We?

The needs of each portion of a Space Elevator have been determined through a
rigorous process that then lead to conclusions about each major segment of the
architecture. The details were developed over the last few years by multiple teams
around the world. The culmination of these "needs" and "conclusions" occurred
during the writing of the report from a four year study23 conducted by the
International Academy of Astronautics. The members of the team were drawn from
space experts who were either members of the IAA or were technical lead on the
topic. Several universities, country-level administrations, multiple corporations,
and two specific Space Elevator organizations (Japanese Space Elevator Association
and International Space Elevator Consortium) contributed. This gathering of global
experts across the technologies of a Space Elevator led to understanding of its
overall needs. As these goals were approached systematically during the study, the
results were presented in the form of needs and then followed by conclusions. When
one looks at all the various technologies and where they are in the technology
readiness level (TRL) evaluations common to NASA projects, the team results were
stated within the study report for each major segment. These needs and
conclusions are shown in this chapter as they are the key elements for the
development of our conclusions that the Space Elevator is ready to proceed. The
first example of these conclusions are shown for the overall Space Elevator
Transportation Infrastructure.

• Overall Need #1 - Manage the immense Space Elevator domain. The Space
Elevator covers a huge portion of "outer space.” No other system or
architecture has been this big. It will have dozens of moving parts and they
will be moving in a variety of directions. The ‘tyranny of distance” is going to
take on new meaning.

• Overall Need #2 - Manage the operational interfaces between the Space

Elevator and other space-based activities. The Space Elevator will not be
alone.

• Overall Need #3 - Manage safety, surety, and recovery: The Space Elevator is
something new. Managing its critical modes will get extensive attention
during deployment and operational testing.

• Overall Need #4 - Develop and operate a simulation of the dynamic mass

management model.

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Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era,
Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3

30

 • Overall Need #5 – Manage the human-rated functionalities of a Fully
Operational Space Elevator.

Conclusions: The overall Space Elevator Transportation Infrastructure has

technology momentum and should be taken beyond the Technology Readiness
Phase. In the last year, the International Space Elevator Consortium asserted that
the basic technology needs could be met, and each segment of the Space Elevator
Transportation System was ready for engineering validation. Now each of the major
segments of a Space Elevator will be discussed in a similar manner, beginning with
the needs and followed by the conclusion.

4.1.1 Engineering Status of Earth Port

• Earth Port Need #1 – Development of a reel-in/reel-out system. The Earth

Port Tether Terminus (Floating) Platforms will jointly and interactively
operate the reel-in/reel-out system to maintain tether tension and stability.
A tether dynamic simulation is an unquestioned need.

• Earth Port Need #2 – Development of climber to tether attachment. Once the

dynamic forces acting at the Tether Termini, and the physical characteristics
of the Earth Port end of the tethers are known, a working design of the
climber(s) mechanism for attachment and detachment to the tether is
needed.

• Earth Port Need #3 – Development of the climber power system to 40 km.

The Earth Port will be responsible for providing power to the first segment of
the climber’s journey to the GEO Node and beyond. Numerous proposals for
providing this power have been, and are still being, considered. In order to
determine the technological requirements for the energy systems “aboard”
the Earth Port’s Floating Operations Platform and/or Tether Terminus
Platforms, available solutions to this climber energy problem are needed.

• Earth Port Need #4 – Development of the Floating Operations and Tether

Terminus Platform Structures. Today’s technologies in Marine Architecture,
Port Engineering and related fields can be employed to develop the
structural and operational designs of the primary Earth Port facilities.

Conclusions: The Earth Port is buildable with today’s available technologies and
engineering expertise.

4.1.2 Engineering Status of HQ/POC

• HQ/POC Need #1 - The HQ/POC will coordinate all operations within the
Space Elevator transportation infrastructure.

• HQ/POC Need #2 - Enable an embedded location monitor in all major devices

inside the Galactic Harbour – probably GPS based -- transmitting to
communications infrastructures at HQ/POC.

31

Conclusion: The Headquarters and Operations Centers are buildable today.

4.1.3 Engineering Status of Apex Anchor

The APEX Anchor represents the stabilizing element for the Space Elevator. When it
gets to its station and settles into place, the Space Elevator will exist for the first
time.

• Apex Anchor Need #1 - Development of the tether deployment satellite. The

APEX Anchor will be born when the tether deployment satellite arrives. That
satellite, especially the first one, will be a diverse, composite function
satellite.
• Apex Anchor Need #2 - Development of the “reel-in/reel-out” system. The
APEX Anchor and Earth Port will jointly and interactively operate the reel-
in/reel-out system to maintain tether tension and stability
• Apex Anchor Need #3 – Develop the infrastructure allowing the orbital
dynamics of parking service craft within the APEX Region.
• Apex Anchor Need #4 – Develop operational aspects and orbital dynamics of
launches and landing from Interplanetary Gates.
• Apex Anchor Need #5 – Develop trust profiles and timing profiles to enable
stabilization.
• Apex Anchor Need #6 – Develop a stabilization approach for initial tether
deployment.

Conclusion: The Apex Anchor will be a challenge as its role is key to the building of
the Space Elevator; but, it is not an engineering nor a technological issue.

4.1.4 Engineering Status of Tether Climber

• Tether Climber Need #1 - Interface with tether. The climber needs to grip the
tether and enable climbing and descending along the full tether.

• Tether Climber Need #2 - Robotic space situational awareness.

Conclusion: The tether climber is so similar to a normal satellite design for today
that there is no real technological or engineering challenge except for the interface
with the tether itself. As there is a lack of information of the chosen material for the
tether, some engineering must be resolved at a later time.

4.1.5 Engineering Status of Tether

• Tether Need #1 - Interface with tether climbers. The climber needs to be

gripped to the tether and enable climbing and descending along the full
tether.

• Tether Need #2 - Develop tether dynamic models for prediction of element

location.

• Tether Need #3 - Develop methods to measure tensile strength and center of

32

 mass from initial deployment through Full Operational Capability.

• Tether Need #4 - Develop methods for perturbation control of the tether,

including active damping from Earth Port, GEO Node, Apex Anchor and from
moving tether climbers.

• Tether Need #5 - Develop approaches for tether repair.

• Tether Need #6 - Develop methods for bypass operations [one climber

passing another], ie. spurs on a railroad track.

Conclusions: The tether material is the pacing item for the development of a Space
Elevator. Currently, there are three materials that could grow into the needed
strong-enough and long-enough material for a Space Elevator: carbon nanotubes,
boron nitride nanotubes, and continuous growth graphene. The community waits
for those materials to mature to the level that can be implemented into a Space
Elevator tether 100,000km long and strong enough to support its own weight plus
multiple tether climbers against the pull of gravity. At 100,000 kilometers long, a
Space Elevator tether is a major engineering challenge. Recent investigations
explored the possibility for making single crystal graphene by a continuous process
using liquid metal. Making this a viable practical manufacturing process will be a
significant effort over a period of years and probably many millions of dollars.
However, such a process would create graphene products for many multi-billion
dollar markets on the way to making the tether material. For this reason there is a
credible return on investment case for manufacturing the material. This means it is
highly possible that continuous single crystal graphene will be manufactured in the
coming years and this material should be considered in any forward thinking about
Space Elevator tethers.

Learning to extract best performance out of imperfect materials is a common

engineering problem. Rare indeed is the design where all constraints and criteria
are fully satisfied by a single solution. Two challenges that separate us from a
current tether design become clear. The first, a challenge of assembly—how do we
ensure uniform load distribution in our material, so that we can bring the nano-
scale properties up to our macro-scale application. The second, a challenge of
production—how to scale existing processes up to produce the volume needed.
Neither of these challenges requires fundamentally new science or engineering.
They require continued application of existing knowledge and skills. Based upon
these conclusions, a number of recommendations can be made - the primary one is
to encourage and support specific strength material development with the purpose
of making them long enough and strong enough for Space Elevator tethers. 24

4.1.6 Engineering Status of GEO Region

The GEO Node will be the transformational transportation system of the 21st
24
Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era,
Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3

33

century. It adds the third dimension to the world’s logistical infrastructure. It will
move objects, systems, material and (eventually) people from the Earth to Space.
The Space Elevator will be vastly more efficient than today’s launch systems.

• GEO Node Need #1 - Development of a tether deployment satellite. The APEX

Anchor will be born when the tether deployment satellite arrives. That
satellite, especially the first one, will be a diverse, composite function
satellite.

• GEO Node Need #2 - Development of the reel-in/reel-out system. The APEX

Anchor and the Earth Port will jointly and interactively operate the reel-
in/reel-out system to maintain tether tension and stability

• GEO Node Need #3 - Robotic space situational awareness.

• GEO Node Need #4 - Develop the reel-in/reel-out system.

Conclusion: The GEO Node and GEO Region technologies are understandable and
not an issue during development.

4.2 Preliminary Program Schedule

Over the last few years, including eight year long studies by ISEC and two four-year
studies by the space experts at the International Academy of Astronautics, the
consensus is that the Space Elevator is feasible and should be developed with a
schedule similar to the one below.

Table 2, Space Elevator Proposed Schedule

Event Occurring between two dates Early Estimated
•

2019 2021
Material for Tether shows Characteristics
2023 2029
Material developed for Space Elevator Tether
2024 2030
Major Segments Validation Testing
2031 2032
Integrated Orbital Testing (Low Earth Orbit)
2032 2034
Launch of Deployment Satellite
2033 2036
Deployment of Space Elevator
2037 2040
Buildup of Space Elevator to Initial Operations Capability
2037 2040
Initial Operations
2037 2040
Galactic Harbour Operational
2039 2042
Second Galactic Harbour Operations
Full Operations Capability (with People) 2047 2057

34

 Chapter 5: Space Elevator Program Status

5.1 Current Imperative!

Because of the availability of a new material as a potential solution for the Space
Elevator tether material, the community strongly believes that a Space Elevator will
be initiated in the near term. Indeed:

The Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour

Concepts are ready for Prime Time

5.2 Summer of 2019 Space Elevator Themes

The summer of 2019 was a turning point in the visibility of Space Elevator
development and the future of movement off-Earth towards the Moon and the
planets. As such, ISEC and other members of the Space Elevator community are
active at the major conferences in Washington DC: National Space Society's
International Space Development Conference (June 2019) and the International
Astronautical Congress, sponsored by the International Astronautical Federation,
International Academy of Astronautics, and International Institute of Space Law
(Oct 2019).

This book is being developed to help in efforts to approach significant players in the
space arena who are expected to be at the conferences and accessible to the ISEC
team. The four themes to be presented are:

• Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think!
• Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is a part of this global and interplanetary
transportation infrastructure
• Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a
preliminary technology readiness assessment and is ready to enter initial
engineering validation testing -- leading to establishment of needed
capabilities.
• Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture demands
that it be understood and supported by many.

The following sections of this chapter illustrate each of the themes and provides
background supporting information.

5.2.1 Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think

There are two major factors that have encouraged the Space Elevator community
and have lad to this theme. The ISEC leadership believes that we will see a Space
Elevator earlier than expected.

35

 • Single Crystal Graphene is being developed and will be applicable for the
Space Elevator tether. In the laboratory a 0.5x0.1 m sheet with 130 GPa
tensile strength has been proven.
• The International Academy of Astronautics Study states:
o The Earth Port, Headquarters & Operations Center, and Tether Climbers
are all buildable with today’s available technologies and engineering
expertise
o The GEO Node - GEO Region and Apex Anchor technologies are
understandable and not an issue for development.

Recent investigations explored the possibility for making single crystal graphene by
a continuous process using liquid metal. It seems highly possible that continuous
single crystal graphene will be manufactured in the coming years and this material
should be considered going forward for Space Elevator tethers.

5.2.2 Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is part of this global and

interplanetary transportation infrastructure

With the latest revelations at the National Space Society's International Space
Development Conference there are some remarkable aspects that are common
across transportation infrastructures.
• The Space Elevator’s Earth Port is the transportation nexus between Earth
and the Solar System. Cargo and Payloads arriving by container destined for:
– Geosynchronous enterprises
– Interplanetary deliveries
• The Obayashi Corporation study (2015)25 designed a Space Elevator with:
– People traveling to GEO, and
– Space based solar power satellites for Japanese energy needs
• Release from the Apex Anchor enables interplanetary mission support in a
robust manner. Recent studies at Arizona State University have shown that
Apex Anchor releases could arrive at Mars in as little as 77 days with weekly
“bus schedules” traveling in non-traditional Lambert method ellipses.

5.2.3 Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a

preliminary technology readiness assessment and is ready to enter
initial engineering validation testing -- leading to establishment of
needed capabilities.

In the last six years, ISEC’s technology maturation approach has melded with a
better definition of Space Elevator engineering solutions. The 2014 publication of
ISEC’s “Architecture and Roadmap” report removed the shroud of mystery and myth
from the elevator’s scope and complexity. The Space Elevator was no longer a
mystery. “Design Consideration” documents published between 2013 and 2017
delineated an engineering approach for Tether Climber, Earth Port, GEO Region, and
Apex Anchor. An architectural simulation tool was selected. The last technology
hurdle - strong material for the tether – will be overcome. Based upon this
technological maturity, and its engineering momentum, we expect that before the

25
Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation, 2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.

36


Table 2, Space Elevator Proposed Schedule
middle of this century an operational Space Elevator Transportation System will be
built and operating.

Technology
Engineering
Feasibility Validation


Figure 9, Technological Maturity as of Fall of 2019

Further, the engineering substance of a Space Elevator has solidified and become
more organized -- most notably as the Galactic Harbour. The Galactic Harbour will

support enterprise activities along the GEO belt, factories and solar power
generation near GEO and efficient interplanetary departures from the Apex and
arrivals at GEO.


The Technology Momentum of the Galactic Harbour is real; and, it underwrites

the interplanetary vision of transportation, enterprise, and exploration


In the last year, the International Space Elevator Consortium assessed that basic
technological needs are available, and each segment of the Space Elevator
Transportation System is ready for engineering validation. The ISEC position:

1. The Galactic Harbour Earth Port è ready for an engineering validation
program
2. Space Elevator Headquarters / Primary Operations Center è ready to start
an engineering validation program
3. Tether Climber è Engineering model assemblies needed -- then start an
engineering validation program
4. GEO Node èEngineering discussions and demonstrations with key members
of industry are needed along with collaboration / outreach with certain
government offices.
5. Apex Anchor è Engineering discussions and various simulations are needed.
Near term collaboration with engineering organizations and academia
should begin follow-on outreach to key members of industry and
government. Engineering validation follows.
6. Tether material è Prime material candidate is identified; and, production
demonstrations are needed.
7. Collision avoidance è Architectural engineering definition is being finalized.
Candidate concepts are identified. On orbit performance demonstrations are
needed.

With all these thoughts, the preliminary technological readiness assessment is a
process that the Space Elevator community, and especially ISEC, has embraced. As
such the Space Elevator is ready to move into the validation testing Phase. The
infrastructure is Ready to Proceed.

37

 WE are here!

Technology Engineering Design Mission

Feasibility Validation Validation Operations

Figure 10, Space Elevator Level of Maturity



5.2.4 Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture

demands that it be understood and supported by many.


There are several reasons why the Space Elevator Architecture needs to be included

in broader discussions around the world because of the following two discussions:


Safe and reliable access to space is the foundation for humanity’s travel within our

solar system. The Space Elevator provides that access and enables:

• Routine [daily], Space Access
• Revolutionarily inexpensive [<$100 per kg] orbit transport
• Commercial development similar to bridge building [Public/Private]
• Financial Numbers that are infrastructure enabling
• Permanent infrastructure [24/7/365/50 years]
• Multiple paths when infrastructure matures
• Massively re-usable, no consumption of fuels
• Environmentally sound/sustainable - will make Earth "greener"
• Safe and reliable [no shake, rattle and roll of rocket liftoff]
• Low risk lifting
• Low probability of creating orbital debris
• Redundant paths as multiple sets of Space Elevators become operational
• Massive loads per day [starts at 14 metric tons cargo loads]
• Opens up tremendous design opportunities for users
• Optimized for geostationary orbit altitude and beyond
• Does not leave debris in LEO
• Co-orbits with GEO systems for easy integration

The Space Elevator is an invaluable addition enabling remarkable support of
interplanetary missions because it not only supports Earth oriented satellites and
missions, but it enables robust off-planet movement:
• Daily trips towards the Moon with roughly 14 hour transits
• Daily launches towards Mars with short transit times [as short as 77 days]
• High velocity releases from the Apex Anchor that can go to the outer planets
with planetary gravity assists

38

5.3 Conclusion
The four "themes" chosen from the 2019 ISDC should be supported. Each of the four
themes will have tremendous impact within the global transportation arena. The
Space Elevator is ready for prime time. One constant realization is that ISEC needs
to be invited, by space leaders, into discussions of significance. In addition, as
discussed early in this report, the Space Elevator Institute should be created to
provide more investigative power on issues of importance. The engineering
refinements and the tie to business enterprises must be understood and executed.

39

 Chapter 6: The Future of Galactic Harbours

6.1 Introduction
During the summer of 2019, the Space Elevator team recognized that it was a year
for breakouts. By recognizing that the Space Elevator should be invited into the
global discussions on space and movement off-planet, remarkable collaborations
will occur. The Space Elevator must be included inside the newly developing
strategic mosaic of space. This will ensure that the exploitation of the tremendous
new arena of space will leverage the lessons of history and enhance the safety of the
enterprise. The timing of Space Elevator development is tied closely with the
amazing movement of the human race off-planet. Inexpensive and routine access to
space will enable the people of Earth to have hope for an exciting future. Seeing
humans residing on the Moon and Mars will bring home the value of Earth and all it
means. The Space Elevator will enable this movement.

6.2 First Big Step

The realization that the Space Elevator is no longer a concept but an achievable
mega-project will energize many people to support and implement its development.
To help this happen, the creation of an institution would seem natural. The creation
and support of a Space Elevator Institute will be the first major step in the
refinement of the idea and the first move towards a developmental program. The
establishment of the Institute will insure that major questions are investigated and
discussions initiated to address complex relationships between new projects and
government oversight. This newly developing mosaic of space will have complexity
no one has thought of before. The Space Elevator Institute will address these issues
early and bring together a consensus of thought to ensure the program can move
forward. The two basic thrusts for the Institute would be:

Investigate the Transportation Baseline: This would include the codification of
engineering concepts so that complexities can be reduced. The trades between
various engineering options will be addressed and recommendations presented to
ensure consistency within the program. Several of these include:
• Engineering concerns in the atmosphere
• Choice of material and tether approach
• Design of initial deployment satellite
• Develop an engineering simulation capability to represent Space Elevators

Investigate Engineering and Research Topics identified by the Space Elevator
leadership: This activity would be "study" oriented where the complexity of
development would be studied and analyzed with recommended paths as the
product. There are many areas outside of strict engineering that must be assessed
and recommended paths surface. Several of these include:
• Location of Earth Port

40

 • Geosynchronous Orbit designation
• Space Debris communication and coordination
• GEO Region monitoring and coordination
• Quantify Interplanetary Mission Support needs
• Develop mission based simulations to represent Daily Operations

Many basic research topics have already been identified as essential to the
development of certain segments of the Space Elevator system. These include:
• the mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic properties of the bulk tether
material
• the effect of magnetospheric fields and solar radiation on tether motion and
tether climbers
• the characterization of possible perturbations of tether motion and
estimation of their effect relative to stable tether oscillations
• alternative types of tether-gripping mechanisms such as linear motors
• alternative types radiation protection such as active shielding.
The study of these topics and others will likely constitute the mandate for a research
division within the Institute.

6.3 Space Elevator Institute Charter

The charter will be developed as the concept matures and the details surface.
However, the mission is pretty straightforward. The Space Elevator Institute should
have a mission such as:

Mission: Leverage the understanding of Space Elevators and Galactic Harbours to
combine space and transportation futures into a common thread within the mosaic
of space.

6.4 The Future

The beauty of this future for space transportation revolutions is that it is fast
approaching. The Space Elevator community is rapidly arranging to meet it with
enthusiasm and knowledge. Movement off-planet will demand low cost access to
space. The Space Elevator will provide that with daily, routine, massive, and
environmentally friendly infrastructure that will resemble "train operations." This
infrastructure for transportation will lead to:

The Space Elevator will be the
Transportation Story of the 21st Century

41

Appendices
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix B: Space Elevator Terminology
Appendix C: Summary of ISEC Studies
Appendix D: Summary of IAA Studies
Appendix E: Summary of ISEC Architectural Notes
Appendix F: Space Elevator Bibliography
Appendix G: ISEC Description

Space Elevator (Frank Chase Image 2013)

Appendix A:
Frequently Asked
Questions

The following questions are

answered below:
• What is a Space
Elevator?
• What is a Galactic
Harbour?
• Why Space Elevators
and Galactic
Harbours?
• How will the Space
Elevator Work?
• How will the Space
Elevator Tether Stay
Vertical?
• Who Invented the
Space Elevator?
• How Strong does the
Tether have to be?
• How will the Space
Debris Environment
be Handled?

What is a Space Elevator? A Space Elevator (SE) can be thought of as a vertical

railroad into space. A cable (Tether) stretches from the ground to an Apex Anchor
(counterweight) 100,000 km up/out in space. Elevator cars (Climbers), powered by
electricity travel up and down the Tether and carry cargo and eventually humans to
and from space. The Space Elevator is the most promising Space Transportation
system on the drawing boards today, combining scalability, low cost, qualify of ride,
and safety to deliver truly commercial-grade space access – practically comparable
to a train ride to space.
Rocket-based space launch systems are inherently limited by the physics of rocket
propulsion. More than 90% of the rocket’s weight is propellant, and the rest is split

42

between the weight of the fuel tank and the payload. It is very difficult (if not
impossible) to make such a vehicle safe or low cost. A target cost of $1,000 US per
kg is proving to be impossible to reach. In comparison, airliners charge us about $1
per pound, and train transportation is in cents per pound.

The Space Elevator is based on a thin vertical tether stretched from the ground to a
mass far out in space, and electric vehicles (climbers) that drive up and down the
tether. The rotation of the Earth keeps the tether taut and capable of supporting the
climbers. The climbers travel at speeds comparable to a fast train, and carry no fuel
on board – they are powered by a combination of sunlight and laser light projected
from the ground. While the trip to space takes several days, climbers are launched
once per day. The first “baseline” design will use 20 ton climbers, but by making the
tether thicker (which can be done using the Space Elevator itself) we can grow the
Space Elevator to lift 100, or even 1,000 tons at a time. In addition to launching
payloads into orbit, the Space Elevator can also use its rotational motion to inject
them into planetary transfer orbits – thus able to launch payloads to Mars, for
example, once per day. Imagine the kind of infrastructure we can set up there,
waiting for the first settlers to arrive… Looking back from the year 2100, the
construction of the Space Elevator will be considered to mark the true beginning of
the Space Age, much like the advent of the airplane or steamboat heralded the true
commercial use of the air and sea.

What is a Galactic Harbour? For the purpose of this book, a space elevator is a
tremendous transportation infrastructure leveraging the rotation of the Earth to raise
payloads from the Earth’s surface towards space and our solar system. It is indeed a part
of the global transportation infrastructure. In a mature environment where space
elevators are thriving in business and commerce, there would be several (probably up to
ten) spread around the equator, each with a capability of lifting off greater than 20 metric
tons of payload per day, routinely and inexpensively. The Galactic Harbour will be the
area encompassing the Earth Port [covering the ocean where incoming and outgoing
ships/helicopters and airplanes operate] and stretches up in a cylindrical shape to include
tethers and other aspects outwards towards Apex Anchors. In summary, customer
product/payloads [satellites, people, resources, etc.] will enter the Galactic Harbour
around the Earth Port and exit someplace up the tether [to LEO, GEO regions, Mars,
Moon, asteroids, intergalactic, and towards the sun, dependent upon where it is released].
The “Galactic Harbour” is identified to be the transportation “port” for the total transition
from the ocean to release in space. The port would be three dimensional, not surface only.
The concept is the payload comes into the Galactic Harbour. It is then processed and
released at some pier. The GEO Node is a good example of where a communications
payload would be prepared for release, powered up, checked-out, and then released to
float towards its assigned slot at GEO. The intra-transportation is very similar to a train
operation, movement on rails from one station (Port Pier) to another. The difference is
the Galactic Harbour will be up to 100,000 km high for payloads to be released at Apex
Anchors.

Figure 2 Galactic Harbour

43

The Galactic Harbour is the
unification of Transportation
and Enterprise. As payloads
start to move throughout the
space elevators, a core
construction priority will
drive businesses that will
then lead to expansion
beyond traditional functions.
One projection is that the
GEO Region will entice the
construction of large
enterprises to support non-
traditional space businesses.
What one sees now are a
magnificent, large commerce
and industrial regions in
space, supported by this new,
revolutionary space access
transportation system; an
elevator. A needed
capability is the generation of
power to be projected down
to the surface of the Earth
from GEO. This Space
Based Solar Power will no
longer be restricted by huge
costs for access to the orbit.
Inexpensive delivery of
payloads to GEO for
construction purposes will
lead to inexpensive power
with almost zero carbon
footprint on the surface of the
Earth. Another mainline
purpose will be to provide an
inexpensive access to all
planets in our solar system
(as well as our own Moon)
with routine release and
capture enabled by the lack
of a need for huge rockets
and consumption of massive amounts of fuel. As the space elevator is built and
deployed, the:

Galactic Harbours will Unify Transportation

and Enterprise Throughout the Regions.

44

Why Space Elevators and Galactic Harbours? This key question must be answered
each time ISEC produces a book or report as we must encourage, enthrall, challenge,
explain, and provide hope for readers. To anyone who looks up from their chair
periodically and searches the heavens for the future of mankind, it is obvious that we are
moving off-planet in a major fashion, and in the near future. Besides regular American,
Russian and European space activities, the Chinese have landed a rover on the Moon and
are planning a space station, the Indians have orbited a spacecraft around Mars, and the
Japanese have a module attached to the International Space Station (ISS). The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) has identified
over 1,300 near-Earth asteroids that are compatible with rapid trips made from Earth.
There are three companies investing in mining resources on asteroids while there are
multiple companies preparing to create small habitats on the Moon. In addition, there is a
rocket company (SpaceX) that plans on building a colony of greater than 10,000 people
on Mars within its CEO’s lifetime.
To ensure that these dreams are encouraged and made successful, there must be a change
in the approach to travel within our solar system. The cost to orbit must become a very
small part of the overall investment and the arena must support infrastructures that can be
used many times, not thrown away each time they are used. When one looks at the
concept of space elevators, the answer is obvious. The future of humanity’s travel within
our solar system requires space elevators that provide access to space and that have the
following strengths:

• Routine [daily],
• Revolutionarily inexpensive [<$100 per kg]
• Commercial development similar to bridge building
• Permanent infrastructure [24/7/365/50 years]
• Environmentally sound
• Safe and reliable [no shake, rattle and roll]
• Low risk lifting
• Low probability of creating orbital debris
• Redundant paths as multiple sets of space elevators become operational
• Massive loads per day [starts at 20 metric tons]
• Opens up tremendous design opportunities for users
• Optimized for geostationary orbit altitude and beyond

The bottom line for space elevators and the solar system is that they open up humanity’s
hopes and needs to expand beyond the limited resources and environment of our planet
Earth. A space elevator is the enabling infrastructure ensuring humanity’s growth towards
the stars. There are two main reasons why the human race needs space elevator
infrastructures:

• The realization that chemical rockets cannot get us to and beyond Low Earth
Orbit (LEO) economically
• The recognition that the ‘Space Option’ may enable solutions to some of Earth’s
current limitations (energy, resources, removing nuclear waste etc.)

What kind of specific benefits could we expect to see from a functioning Space Elevator?
As with the transcontinental railway, it’s impossible to foretell all of the uses of such an
infrastructure, but here are some possibilities.

45

• Large scale manufacturing in a zero-g environment. If corporations can build
manufacturing facilities in space at an affordable price, they will do so. Right now, the
cost and weight penalties are too prohibitive to even consider the idea. A space
elevator would change that.
• Colonization of the moon, Mars and other planets and satellites. Currently,
establishing and supplying a 6 or 8 person science station on the moon (let alone Mars
or anywhere else) is probably at the very limit of our capabilities. Allowing hundreds
(or even thousands) of tons to be launched into space every day would allow us to
colonize these other worlds. This would provide an insurance policy for humanity, an
outlet for those with a pioneering spirit and, almost certainly, increased benefits here
on earth as commerce between our planet and others was established.
• Space Tourism – A Space Elevator could provide a way that most of us could visit
space, and even stay for a while if we wanted to.
• Clean Power – Though there are many debates about the economics of establishing
solar power satellites to provide earth with clean, limitless power, there is no doubt
that to do so will require the capability to launch enormous quantities of materials into
space. Only a Space Elevator can give us that capability.
• More and cheaper satellites. Satellite technology has provided all of us with enormous
benefits, from DirecTV to weather satellites to increased national security. Being able
to lower the cost and increase the reliability of satellite launches will lead to new
technologies that right now we can’t even imagine.
Scalable, inexpensive and reliable access to space will benefit all of us and a Space
Elevator is the way to provide this capability.

How will the Space Elevator Work? Daily and routinely a Climber carrying cargo or
people will be attached at the Earth Port. The Climbers will ascend the Tether, quickly
leave the atmosphere and begin to make their way past Low Earth Orbit, between 160
and 2000 km up. While passing through this zone, cargo can be jettisoned to enter its own
orbit around the earth. After four to five days, the Climber will reach Geosynchronous
Orbit where more cargo will be detached. The cargo that remains on the tether above
Geosynchronous Orbit will be moving faster than required to stay in orbit and can be
detached and sent to destinations such as the Moon or Mars. The Climbers will then
ascend to the end of the Tether where they will become part of the Apex Anchor as
counter-weight. Several Climbers will be on the Tether at all times, each carrying their
own small propulsion systems to ‘move’ the Tether out of the way of orbiting satellites
and large space debris. Smaller space debris will be allowed to impact the Tether with the
resulting damage taken care of by the Maintenance Climbers. Maintenance Climbers will
be a constant companion of the Tether. They will travel the tether, continuously
inspecting it and making repairs.

How does the Space Elevator stay vertical? Imagine you are holding a rope with a
weight attached to the end. If you swing the rope in a circle at a sufficient speed, the rope
will become taut, revolving about your hand. The force pulling the rope taut is known as
centrifugal force. This same centrifugal force, generated by the rotation of the earth, will
pull the Space Elevator Tether upwards into space (outwards from the earth).

Who invented the Space Elevator? The idea of a Space Elevator can be attributed to
several different visionaries spread over more than one hundred years. In 1895 a Russian
scientist named Konstantin Tsiolkovsky first proposed a tower into space. In 1959
another Russian scientist, Yuri Artsutanov came up with the idea of a tensile structure,

46

something being pulled away rather than built up, to get into space. This idea used a
satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) to send a Tether down to the earth. In 1966 the
idea moved in the U.S. with four American scientists writing an article about their “sky-
hook” in the journal Science. American Jerome Pearson independently ‘discovered’ the
idea of a Space Elevator and, in 1975 published his concept of the “Orbital Tower”. By
1979 the concept was being spread to a larger audience by Arthur C. Clark in his novel
The Fountains of Paradise. Today, the co-inventors of Artsutanov and Pearson are
recognized as co-inventors of the concept with Dr, Edwards providing a solid design for
the modern day [achievable] space elevator in 2002. see: Raitt, David, Space Elevators:
A History, ISEC Report 2017.

How strong does the material have to be? The first important term for this
question is Specific Strength. A spider web might not seem very strong but it has a high
Specific Strength because of what it can hold versus its thickness. This is very important
for a Space Elevator because all of the material will have to be lifted into space and
because the Tether will have to be able to hold itself together over a great distance. The
standard unit of measurement for Specific Strength is stress/density or Pascal/(kg/m3),
for our purposes this can be adjusted to be GPa-cc/g (1Gpa-cc/g = 1 million
Pascal/(kg/m3)). For simplicity ISEC has adopted the measurement scale of Yuri’s,
named after Yuri Artsutanov, where 1 MYuri is equal to 1 GPa-cc/g. Steel wire has a
specific strength of about .5MYuri. Now we enter the realm of what is technically needed
to build a Tether into space versus what is required to make a practical Space Elevator. A
Tether with a specific strength of 25MYuri could be built but it would require a lot of
mass and would not really be able to lift much. In the Space Elevator Feasibility
Condition, the Spaceward Foundation’s Ben Shelef discusses this problem in detail and
shows how several factors enter into the question. The bottom line is that stronger is
better with 30-40 MYuri’s being the best bet for a practical Space Elevator, well within
the predicted limits for carbon nanotubes and single crystal graphene. Less initial
material and more payload to orbit will increase the rate at which a Space Elevator
becomes a profitable venture. The recent discovery and production of a 0.5 x 0.1 meter
single crystal of carbon atoms one layer thick has opened up the real possibility that a
tether can be developed in the next few years.

How will space debris environment be handled? ISEC realizes that the density
of space debris could become a serious hazard in the future. The 2011 ISEC Study
Report presented an honest look at the space debris density numbers, where the Space
Elevator is most vulnerable, and what can be done about the problem. It shows that space
debris is a manageable problem, giving proper foresight and engineering. [note: the
conclusions are still valid even with the increase in numbers in the last few years] The
key is that ISEC believes the future will include a large global effort lowering the threats
from space debris. ISEC depends strongly upon the future space community actively
addressing this environment pollution problem with a positive approach before our first
tethers in the 2030 time period. ISEC and the space community looking at the idea of a
Space Elevator for the first time are concerned about how the ever-growing problem of
Space Debris will affect it. We know the space elevator can safely operate in the
environment; however, it would be beneficial if the global space community reduces the
hazardous conditions.

47



Appendix B: Space Elevator Lexicon

After many meetings and discussions with players from around the world, a layout of a
space elevator is shown below with a set of terms and their explanation following:

Apex Anchor Node & Region LEO Gate Earth Port and Region
Mars Gate Lunar Gravity Center - Earth Terminus
Moon Gate Mars Gravity Center - Floating Operations Platform
GEO Node and Region Tether Climbers Headquarters and Primary
Operations Center

The following pages show the basics of the space elevator with definition of terms and
figures that help define our concepts of space elevators. The following sections are
expanded upon: SE Lexicon [with figure], Terminology Table, ISEC’s Galactic Harbour
Strategic Approach [with figure], SE Regions, SE Developmental Sequences, and our
destinations.
Figure: Space Elevator System

48

 Table of Suggested Terminology
Terminology Explanation
Access City Earth Port Access City will be the principle location where the majority of
supplies/payloads depart from in route to the Earth Port. It should be the location for
the HQ/POC and within 2,500 kilometers of Earth Port Region.
Apex Anchor A complex of activity is located at the end of the Space Elevator providing
counterweight stability for the space elevator as a large end mass. Attached at the end
of the tether will be a complex of Apex Anchor elements such as; reel-in/reel-out
capability, thrusters to maintain stability, command and control elements, etc.. [Note:
nothing stays at that altitude unless attached to a tether]
Apex Anchor Region The region around the Apex Anchor is defined by the amount of motion expected at
the full extension of the tether. The region is the volume swept out by the end of the
tether during normal operations. When two or more space elevators are operating
together, the region spreads to the volume between.
Boron-Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) High Tensile Strength material under development
Capability On Ramps leading to FOC Time after IOC when new businesses / capabilities are added to system [7th sequence
step]
Carbon Nanotube (CNT) High Tensile Strength material under development
Climbers [Tether Climbers] Vehicle able to climb or lower itself on the tether
Deployment Releasing the tether from the GEO construction up and or down during the initial
phase of construction
Earth Anchor (Tether Terminus) Earth Terminus for space elevator
Earth Port A complex located at the Earth terminus of the tether to support its functions. These
mission elements are spread out within the Earth Port Region. When there are two or
more termini of tethers, the Earth Port reaches across the region and is considered one
Earth Port.
Earth Port Region The volumetric region around each Earth Port to include a space elevator column for
each tether and the space between multiple tethers when they operate together. The
Earth Port Region will include the vertical volume through the atmosphere up to
where the space elevator tether climbers start operations in the vacuum and down to
the ocean floor.
Floating Operations Platform The Op’s Center for the activities at the Earth Port or Earth Terminus
Full (Final) Operational Capability Design for full capability of the space elevator [8th sequence step]
GEO Node The complex of Space Elevator activities positioned in the Space Elevator GEO
Region of the Geosynchronous belt [36,000 kms altitude]; directly above the Earth
Port. There will be several sub nodes; one for each tether, one for a central main
operating platform, one for each “parking lot”, and others.
GEO Region Encompasses all volume swept out by the tether around the Geosynchronous altitude,
as well as the orbits of the various support and service spacecraft “assigned” to the
GEO Region. When two or more space elevators are operating together, the region
includes each and the volume between elevators.
Headquarters and Primary Operations Location for the Operations and Business Centers – probably other than at Earth Port –
Center [HQ/POC] more likely near Space Elevator Access City
Initial Operational Capability A term to describe the time when the space elevator is prepared to operate for
commercial profit – robotically [6th sequence step]
International Academy of International Association focusing upon space capabilities with
Astronautics (IAA) approximately 1,000 elected members.
International Space Elevator Association whose vision is: A world with inexpensive, safe, routine,
Consortium (ISEC) and efficient access to space for the benefit of all mankind.
Japanese Space Elevator Association JSEA handles all the space elevator activities for universities and STEM activities.
Also handles the global aspects of space elevators.
Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) Japanese government organization responsible for space systems and space operations.
Length Overall Full length of the space elevator, est. from 96,000 to 100,000 km
LEO Gate Elliptical release point for LEO – roughly 24,000 kms altitude
Limited Operational Capability Early utilization of a “starter” tether in parallel with testing and further development
[5th sequence step]
Lunar Gate (Moon Gate) Release Point towards Moon – roughly 47,000 kms altitude
Lunar Gravity Center Point on Tether with Lunar gravity similarity – 8,900 kms altitude
Marine Node (Earth Port) Earth Terminus for space elevator
Mars Gate Release Point to Mars – roughly 57,000 kms altitude
Mars Gravity Center Point on Tether with Mars gravity similarity – 3,900 kms altitude
Ocean Going Vehicle (OGV) Vehicle able to travel over the open ocean
Operational Testing Key developmental phase when checking out capability [4th sequence step]
Pathfinder In-orbit testing of space elevator with as many segments represented as possible [1st
sequence step]
Primary Operations Center (POC) Center of all activities for the space elevator. Could be distributed or centralized.

49

Seed Tether [Ribbon] The initial tether lowered from GEO altitude which would then be built up to become
the space elevator tether [2nd sequence step]
Single String Testing Single string tests are tests conducted of a selected set of Space Elevator functions;
aligned and operating. In early forms, single string testing could be an end-to-end
simulation of a segment. Later, hardware is inserted in the string to add
realism. Testing the initial tether after deployment would be a key single string test.
[3rd sequence step]
Space Elevator Column The volume swept out during normal operations starting at the Earth Port [a circular
area within which it operates] and extending through the GEO Region up to the Apex
Region. This column of space will be monitored, restricted, and coordinated with all
who wish to transverse the volume.
Tether 100,000 km long woven ribbon of space elevator with sufficient strength to weight
ratio to enable an elevator [CNT material probably]
Tether Climbers Vehicle able to climb or lower itself on the tether, as well as releasing or capturing
satellites for transportation or orbital insertion.

ISEC’s Galactic Harbour Strategic Approach

One of the principle elements of the International Space Elevator Consortium’s (ISEC)
action plan towards an operational space elevator is to understand its customer utilization.
To fully understand the potential application for commercial ventures on the space
elevator, the concept of a Galactic Harbour surfaced. Galactic Harbour represents
continuous operations moving customer payloads on multiple space elevators from entry
ports to exit ports. These locations would most logically be an Earth Port where
customers have their payloads loaded onto space elevators and their release points at
multiple altitudes per the desires of the customers. The Galactic Harbour would then be
the volume incorporating multiple Earth Ports [on the ocean, with incoming and outgoing
ships/helicopters and airplanes] and then stretch up in a cylindrical shape to include
tethers and other aspects out to the Apex Anchors.
Galactic Harbour as the Unification of
Transportation and Enterprise

Space Elevator Transportation is the “main channel” Businesses flourish as a part of the Space Elevator
in the Galactic Harbour Enterprise System
GEO Node Business support to Operational Satellites
Earth Port Power and products delivered to Earth
Apex Region Interplanetary Efforts within reach
Tether Climbers Research
Tether System
HQ/POC

Our Destinations
● The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) consists of a system comprised of two
space elevators with one Earth Port and two terrestrial terminus, two Apex
Anchors each with 100,000 km tethers, multiple tether climbers and a single
Headquarters and Primary Operations Center. This system will be capable of
moving significant payload tonnage [20 Metric ton] to GEO and beyond several
times a week from each space elevator.

● The Full Operational Capability (FOC) contains two tethers per elevator system
(100,000 km strong tether), each with a tether terminus platform inside the Earth
Port, GEO Node, Apex Anchor, and with a single Headquarters and Primary
Operations Center. This system will be capable of moving an estimated 70
Metric tons to GEO and beyond several times a week (with passengers).

50

 Space Elevator Regions

SPACE ELEVATOR
APEX Region APEX Node

Post-IOC concept
Regional Boundary
Apex Anchor Region: The region
around the Apex Anchor is defined by
the amount of motion expected at the
APEX Region
Sensing
Multi-function
APEX
OPS Center full extension of the tether. The region
is the volume swept out by the end of
Interplanetary
Mission
Arriving
Interplanetary
Mission
the tether during normal
Climber
arriving Climber
DeparGng
operations. When two or more space
arriving
elevators are operating together, the
Tether
region spreads to the volume between.

To/From GEO
and Gates
To/From GEO GEO Region &
and Gates Earth Port







SPACE ELEVATOR Climber
APEX ANCHOR

GEO Node
AT IOC GEO Node Regional
Boundary

GEO Region: Encompasses all volume
“Horizontal” axis
dimension of
GEO Node Parking Lot

swept out by the tether around the

Geosynchronous altitude, as well as the
Vertical axis
dimension of GEO
Node (based on
orbit “pathways” of

orbits of the various support and

Climber passing
the various
through GEO
operational
alGtude
components within)

service spacecraft “assigned” to the GEO

Parking Lot

Region. When two or more space

elevators are operating together, the
Tether

Sensor Orbit - All Tether region includes each and the volume
between elevators.
craft flying F5
To/From Tether To/From Tether
Terminus #2 Not to Scale

Terminus #1

SPACE ELEVATOR To (From) GEO
NODE

EARTH PORT Climber

Tethers

AT IOC Earth Port Boundary
Earth Port Region: The volumetric
region around each Earth Port to
Climber
include a space elevator column for
Atmosphere to
each tether and the space between
approx. 40 km
multiple tethers when they operate
Surface of the Earth (ocean)
together. The Earth Port Region will
FOP (or island base)
Tether
Terminus #2 include the vertical volume through the
Tether
Terminus #1
Ocean water
atmosphere up to where the space
depth 4 to 5 km
elevator tether climbers start
Bo<om of the ocean (variable) Earth Port underwater
security zone
operations in the vacuum and down to
the ocean floor.
(80-100 km diameter)
Not to Scale

51

 Space Elevator Development Sequence
SettingNew
the stage
IAAwith a typical
SG3.24 life cycle
“Road phase schedule
to Space for developing
Elevator Era” space systems.
Space Elevators are still,- very much, in the
1. Where are we? Concept Development phase.

Typical Project Life Cycle Phases

Phase B: Phase D:
Phase A:
Pre Phase A: Preliminary Phase C: System Phase E:
Project Life Concept & Phase F:
Concept Design and Final Design Assembly, Operations &
Cycle Phases Technology Closeout
Study Technology & Fabrication Integration & Sustainment
Development
Completion Test, Launch
Reviews
-Mission

MCR MDR

Reviews
-System

SRR SDR PDR CDR ORR FRR

Formulation Phase Implementation Phase (Space Agency, Private sector, Industries, etc.)
(More Academic level efforts
are required)
Space Elevator Development Space Elevator On-
orbit Assembly,
Checkout, and
Operations
We are still here. <Notes>
MCR: Mission Concept Review, MDR: Mission Definition Review, SRR: System Requirements Review,
SDR: System Definition Review, PDR: Preliminary Design Review, CDR: Critical Design Review,
ORR: Operational Readiness Review, FRR: Flight Readiness Review
(Ref: NPR7123.1A NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements w/Change 1 (11/04/09))
March(21,(2016 SG3.24(Road(to(Space(Elevator(Era

Special Sequence for Development of Initial Space Elevators

9. Pathfinder
10. Seed Tether,
11. Single String Testing
12. Operational Testing,
13. Limited Operational Capability (LOC),
14. Initial Operational Capability (IOC),
15. Capability On Ramps leading to FOC
16. Full Operational Capability (FOC)

Note: it is critical to initiate second tether for backup as soon as practical – in this
sequence, Deployment 2 should be right After Single String Testing, with IOC only when
two space elevators are up.

52

Appendix C: Summary ISEC Studies
International Space Elevator Consortium ISEC Position Paper # 2019-1

Design Considerations for the

Design Considerations for a Multi-Stage Space Multi-stage Space Elevator
Elevator [2019]
To build a space elevator, the toughest challenge is
to find material that is strong enough for a self-
supporting tether. Building it in multiple stages is a
way of overcoming that challenge. Using the concept
of dynamically supported structures, it is possible to
build upwards from the earth’s surface and provide
supports for the lowest parts of the tether, where
gravity is strongest. A five-stage design would John M. Knapman
support a tether made of carbon fiber yarn that is Peter Glaskowsky
Dan Gleeson
commercially available today. A two-stage design Vern Hall
Dennis Wright

can support a tether with less than one-third of the Michael Fitzgerald
Peter A. Swan

strength previously thought necessary. The study

report analyses the proposal in detail, covering the underlying physics and
technology, design options and prototyping work. Authors: John M. Knapman, Peter
Glaskowsky, Dan Gleeson, Vern Hall, Dennis
Wright, Michael Fitzgerald, Peter Swan

Design Considerations for a Software Space
Elevator Simulator [2018]
This study report gives a detailed analysis of all
the design considerations for a Software Space
Elevator Simulator. From the Executive
Summary: As with all large, modern engineering
projects, detailed computer simulations of the
space elevator will be essential during its design,
construction and operational phases. Within the
context of these phases, this study enumerated 14
use cases which the simulation software must address, ranging from 3D dynamics and
electrodynamics calculations of space elevator motion, to the effects of payload capture
and release at various points along the tether, to the effects of friction arising from the
interaction of the space elevator climber with the tether. Proceeding from these use cases,
requirements were imposed on the software design and an outline for its development
was sketched. Authors: Dennis H. Wright, Steven
Avery, John Knapman, Martin Lades, Paul
Roubekas, Pete A. Swan

Design Considerations of a Space Elevator Apex

Anchor and GEO Node [2017]
This year, ISEC chose to address the design
considerations for the Apex Anchor and
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Node. As was
discussed in the Architectures and Roadmap

53

report, ISEC understands where the technologies are today and where we would like
them to be in order to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The goal of this study
team is to add to the “body of knowledge” relative to the two topics addressed herein. To
ensure complete understanding during this study report, the
following definitions were developed: Space Elevator Column,
Earth Port & Earth Port Region, GEO Node & GEO Region, and
Apex Anchor & Apex Anchor Region. In addition, the needs
[functional requirements] were discussed for each of those
regions and complexes. Throughout the text, the initial
destination is described as the IOC for the Space Transportation
System. The Space Elevator Transportation System is comprised
of one Earth Port with two tether termini, multiple Apex
Anchors supporting 100,000 km Tethers, 14 Tether Climbers,
and a single Headquarters and Primary Operations Center. The
GEO Node supports the Space Elevator Transportation System
with a range of “overhead’ functions; e. g. test, safety, and
support. Authors: Michael Fitzgerald, Vern Hall, Peter Swan,
and Cathy Swan.

Design Considerations of a Space Elevator Earthport [2016]

This study report provides the International Space Elevator Consortium’s (ISEC) view of
the Earth Port (formerly known as the Marine Node) of a Space Elevator system. The
Earth Port: Serves as a mechanical and dynamical
termination of the space elevator tether; Serves as a
port for receiving and sending Ocean Going Vessels
(OGVs); Provides landing pads for helicopters from
the OGVs; Serves as a facility for attaching and
detaching payloads to and from tether climbers and
attaching and detaching climbers to and from the
tether; Provides tether climber power for the 40 km
above the Floating Operations Platform (FOP); and,
Provides food and accommodation for crew members
as well as power, desalinization, waste management
and other such support.
Authors: Robert E. ‘Skip’ Penny, Jr, Vern Hall, Peter
Glaskowsky, and Sandee Schaeffer.

Space Elevator Survivability, Space Debris

Mitigation[2011]
This report focuses on the issue of Space Debris in relation to a Space Elevator. Many
people looking at the idea of a Space Elevator for the first time are concerned about how
the ever-growing problem of Space Debris will affect it. This report gives an honest look
at the numbers, where the Space Elevator is most vulnerable and what can be done about
the problem. It shows that space debris is a manageable problem, giving proper foresight
and engineering. Authors: Dr. Peter Swan, Cathy Swan and Robert “Skip” Penny.

54

Space Elevator Concept of Operations[2013]
This report describes and discusses a plausible Operations
scenario for a Space Elevator. This report addresses initial
commercial operations of a space elevator pair with robotic
climbers. This report has been developed to help define a
starting point for an initial space elevator infrastructure. It is
assumed that there are two space elevators in place to ensure
continuation of our escape from the gravity well. It also
assumes that a sufficient number of climbers are available for
delivering of spacecraft and other payloads to orbit, and, if
required, return them to earth. In addition, this report is
designed to be the initial operations concept from which
many improvements will occur as future knowledge and
experience drives infrastructure concept revisions. Authors:
Dr. Peter Swan, Cathy Swan and Robert “Skip” Penny.

Design Considerations for Space Elevator Tether

Climbers[2014]
The subject selected for this 2013 study is the Space
Elevator Tether Climber. The objective of the one year
study was to survey current concepts and technologies
related to tether climbers, identify critical issues,
questions, and concerns, assess their impact on the
development of space elevators, and project towards the
future. Authors: Dr. Peter Swan, Cathy Swan, Robert
“Skip” Penny, John Knapman and Peter Glaskowsky.

Space Elevator Architecture and Roadmaps –

This 2014 study report establishes a baseline roadmap for designing space elevators for
the future. This study addresses critical aspects of space elevator infrastructures: basic
architectures and how we will get there with a roadmap. The roadmaps will leverage
desired paths to lower risks and identify approaches for pulling together the diverse
concepts. The three architectures in the literature today
are solid looks at various approaches, while not providing
that key element of “how will we get there?” Each path
from today to the successful implementation of a space
elevator infrastructure must be identified and discussed
with respect to hurdles and milestones.
Authors: Michael “Fitzer” Fitzgerald, Peter Swan, Cathy
Swan and Robert “Skip” Penny.
Publication date: April, 2015

55



Appendix D: Summary of IAA Studies

After the creation of the International Space Elevator Consortium in 2008, the
involvement with the global space community became a priority. One
straightforward approach was to actively support academic studies dealing with the
space elevator. The International Academy of Astronautics has conducted two
studies, 2015 and 2019 publishing dates. https://iaaweb.org A portion of their
executive summaries will be shown.

"Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological
Feasibility and the Way Forward." 2015
What are the questions for this study report? This report addresses the simple and
complex issues that have been identified through the development of space elevator
concepts over the last decade. The report begins with a summary of those ideas in
Edwards’ and Westling’s book “The Space Elevator” (2003). Out of these beginnings has
risen a worldwide cadre focused upon their areas of expertise as applied to space elevator
development and operational infrastructure. The report answers some basic questions
about the feasibility of a space elevator infrastructure. A preview of the main questions
and answers shows the depth and breadth of this Cosmic Study.

What is a space elevator? A space elevator is a system for lifting payloads, and
eventually people, from the Earth’s surface into space. The one under consideration in
this report consists of a tether 100,000km long balanced about a node in geosynchronous
orbit (GEO) and reaching down to an anchor point on Earth. Electrically powered
spacecraft, called tether climbers, travel up or down the tether at far lower costs
[currently projected at $500/kg] than using rockets. In addition, the service the space
elevator provides is a cargo capacity/throughput of two orders of magnitude larger than
present rockets, with tremendously kinder environmental effects, and a miniscule
potential for future space debris. Tether climbers can continue to the apex anchor – the
point at 100,000km altitude – where their speed is sufficient for direct interplanetary
travel.

56

Why a space elevator? The value and benefit of developing a space elevator
infrastructure is even greater than earlier estimates, as it will change our approach to
operations in space. Low cost, safe, reliable and flexible delivery of payloads to
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and beyond could create an “off-planet”
environment filled with opportunities ranging from commercial space systems to
exploration of the solar system. Daily initiation of 20 metric ton climbers, safe delivery to
GEO and beyond, and a projected price of $500 per kg, will open up the solar system and
lead to many new commercial ventures. In addition, the radical change from chemical
rockets and the low risk approach of climbing vertically at reasonable speeds will greatly
reduce two major hazards that are dominant today: 1) the environmentally friendly,
electrically driven, motors will have almost no hazardous material polluting the
atmosphere, and 2) this delivery technique does not create orbital debris, especially in
Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Another major benefit will be

in supporting human
exploration. The first ten
years will enable massive
movement of equipment to
GEO and beyond. Human
exploration can leverage this
tremendous capability by
assembling large spacecraft at
GEO with massive fuel loads
delivered at $500/kg. After
ten years of operations,
humans should also be riding
to GEO.

The benefits for humanity on

Earth can be phenomenal. The
ability to inexpensively
deliver large quantities to
orbit will enable capabilities
stimulating an Earth
renaissance. The facility to
provide power to any location
on the surface [space solar
power satellites] will enable
development across the world. Several examples are that Africa could skip the last
century of wires while the outback of countries like India or China would not have to
burn coal and the Amazon region could retain more of its rain forests. In addition, the
increase in communications and Earth resource satellites will remake the emergency
warning systems of the world. Some intractable problems on the Earth’s surface would
also have solutions, such as the safe and secure delivery – and thus disposal - of nuclear
waste to solar orbit.

Can it be done? The authors recognize that the whole project, especially the projected
price per kilo, is dependent upon a strong, lightweight material that will enable the space
elevator tether. The principal issue is material produceability at the strength, length and

57

perfection needed to enable a 100,000km long tether. Almost all other issues surrounding
each of the major segments have either been resolved in space before or are close to
being space ready today. Only the tether material is at a high technological risk at this
time. Chapter 3 goes into projections of material growth and increase in capabilities
showing their potential with a good prospect of suitable material becoming available by
the 2020s.

How would all the elements fit together to create a system of systems? Each of the
early chapters addresses one of the major elements of space elevator infrastructure. As
the study progresses, the reader moves from tether material to individual segments to
systems level analyses. This sequence illustrates the parts of a space elevator
infrastructure and then shows the operational view as it all fits together. In addition, in
the market and financial chapters, the development of future space markets are projected
with their funding profiles for the next 40 years.

What are the technical feasibilities of major space elevator elements? Each of the
individual chapters describes major segments of the space elevator and discusses NASA
Technical Readiness Levels and Risk Management trades to ensure the technical
feasibilities can be assessed. The space elevator roadmaps show the approach from the
current year [2013] to operational time periods. A factor for the future of space elevator
infrastructure is the majority of components, subsystems, and segments have been
developed before as components of other space systems [except for the tether material].
This leverage of 50 years’ experience is invaluable and will enable development of space
elevator segments in a timely manner.

The conclusions from this study fall into a few distinct categories:
• Legal: The space elevator can be accomplished within today’s arena
• Technology: Its inherent strengths will improve the environment and reduce space
debris in LEO and beyond. It can be accomplished with today’s projection of
where materials science and solar array efficiencies are headed. The critical
capability improvement is in the space elevator tether materials, currently
projected to achieve the necessary strength to weight ratio in the next 20 years.
The space elevator will open up human spaceflight and decrease space debris and
environmental impacts.
• Business: This mega-project will be successful for investors with a positive return on
investment within 10 years after erection is complete.
• Cultural: This project will drive a renaissance on the surface of the Earth with its
solutions to key problems, stimulation of travel throughout the solar system, with
inexpensive and routine access to GEO and beyond.

Cosmic Study Result The authors have come to believe that the operation of a space
elevator infrastructure will lead to a “game changing” experience in the space world.
Each of the authors considers that the space elevator can be developed when the tether
material is mature enough. Our final assessments are:

A Space Elevator appears feasible, with the realization that risks

must be mitigated through technological progress. and,
A Space Elevator infrastructure will be achievable through a major global
enterprise.

58

 "Road to Space Elevator Era." 2019
This study report summarizes the assessment of the space elevator as of the summer of
2018. The encouraging aspect is that the space elevator community has been
reinvigorated and is pulling together experiments and test programs to push the
technology along the path to readiness. Several of these break through are the ones we
were searching for after completion of the first IAA study. We see the way forward! The
global needs for a space elevator are remarkable. When the price to geosynchronous
orbit is lowered to one hundredth of the price of launching by rocket, the whole situation
changes as to access to orbit. However, the real strengths are not only price but massive
movement and other characteristics such as routine, daily, safe and no shake-rattle-roll of
launch. The environmentally friendly lifts will be an important aspect of implementing
space elevators vs. rockets in the long run.
One key to recognize is that we move from
individual events to continuous operations
of an infrastructure with the space elevator.
We would move to a system with the costs
representing recurring expenses, not
replacement costs. The concept is to move
to a "bridge to space," not a system of
individual rocket launches. The question
on the table is “are we actually on the road
to a space elevator?” The study answers
that question in a positive manner. Yes,
we are on the road to the space elevator
era!

This study report assesses the global needs

for a space elevator and then lays out
functional requirements that can lead to
technological needs and identification of
processes for development. The
development of the needs and requirements
lead to the chapters assessing the critical
technologies and then recommends the risk
reduction approaches for segment and
system level verification. In addition, Chapter Six defines validation testing for the
customer, as a milestone towards total project funding.

As the goals of the study were approached systematically during the study, the results
were presented in the form of conclusions and recommendations. When one looks at all
the various technologies and where they are in the technology readiness level (TRL)
evaluations common to NASA projects, the team has the following conclusions:

• The Earth Port is buildable with today’s available technologies and engineering
expertise.
• The Headquarters and Operations Centers are buildable today.
• The tether climber is so similar to a normal satellite design of today that there is

59

 no real technological or engineering challenge; except the interface with the tether
material. As there is a lack of information of the chosen material for the tether,
some engineering must be resolved at a later time.
• The GEO Node and GEO Region technologies are understandable and not an
issue during development.
• The Apex Anchor will be a challenge as its role is key to the building of the space
elevator, but not an engineering and technological issue.
• However, the tether material is the pacing item for the development of the space
elevator. Currently, there are three viable materials that could grow into the
needed strong-enough and long-enough material for a space elevator: carbon
nanotubes, boron nitride nanotubes, and continuous growth graphene. The
community waits for those materials to mature to the level that can be
implemented into a space elevator tether 100,000km long and strong enough to
support its own weight plus multiple tether climbers against the pull of gravity.
At 100 million metres long, a space elevator tether is a major engineering
challenge. Recent investigations explored the possibility for making single
crystal graphene by a continuous process using liquid metal. Making this a viable
practical manufacturing process will be a significant effort over a period of years
and probably many millions of dollars. However, such a process would create
graphene products for many multi-billion dollar markets on the way to making the
tether material. For this reason there is a credible return on investment case for
manufacturing the material in practise. This means it is highly possible that
continuous single crystal graphene will be manufactured in the coming years and
this material should be considered in any forward thinking about a space elevator
tether.
• Learning to extract best performance reel-out of imperfect materials is a common
engineering problem; rare indeed is the design where all constraints and criteria
are fully satisfied by a single solution. Two challenges that separate us from a
tether become clear. The first, a challenge of assembly—how do we ensure
uniform load distribution in our material, so that we can bring the nanoscale
properties up to our macroscale application. The second, a challenge of
production—how to scale existing processes up to produce the volume needed.
Neither of these challenges requires fundamentally new science or engineering.
They require continued application of existing knowledge and skills.

Based on these conclusions, a number of recommendations can be made - the primary

one of which is to encourage and support specific strength material development with the
purpose of making them long enough and strong enough for space elevator tethers. The
essence of the whole study report is that a broad group of space professionals gathered
together and assessed the status of the space elevator development. Each of them
contributed their expertise and then came to similar conclusions about the space elevator
progress. It should be noted that, even though many of the references have several
authors, for convenience in the text only the first named author is given.

Space Elevators seem feasible [reinforces IAA’s 2013 study conclusion],

and
Space Elevator development initiation is nearer than most think!

60

Appendix E: Summary of ISEC Architectural Notes
Space Elevator Architecture Note #1
Space Elevator Enterprise will be based on a Modular Construction
The Space Elevator Enterprise will be based on a Modular Construction, Modular
Growth and Modular Operating Standard, such as;
Building the Space Elevator -- Modular Construction
Growing the Space Elevator -- Modular Growth
Operating the Space Elevator -- Modular Operations

Space Elevator Architecture Note #2

Space Elevator Enterprise will encounter robust & diverse on-orbit business
When it achieves IOC, the Space Elevator transportation system will encounter robust &
diverse on-orbit business activity.
Future Business in Space -- Now
Future Business in Space – Some future visions, as seen now.
The business offerings of the Space Elevator

Space Elevator Architecture Note #3

Space Elevator Enterprise will need a Business Capture Plan
We need a Business Capture Plan and a working group that engages with on-orbit
business activities; joining in, if and when we can.
Space Elevator as a business – We aren’t trying to be one, yet
Space Elevator business enterprise – As we see it now
Space Elevator business enterprise planning – the timing of this

Space Elevator Architecture Note #4

Space Elevator Enterprise will be based on a Modular Construction
We need a Baseline. The Baseline of the Space Elevator is still changing and that is a
good thing; but only for now.
Space Elevator baseline – We don’t have one and we might need two:
Space Elevator Transportation system – Baseline #1
Space Elevator Business Enterprise – Baseline #2
Space Elevator Business Enterprise – Baseline relationships

Space Elevator Architecture Note #5

Emergence of the Galactic Harbour Vision
The emergence of The Galactic Harbour Vision: ISEC sees a great Space Elevator
Transportation system that opens Space; in the same way the railroad opened up the
American west. It is a marvel of Kepler’s physics; and a marvel of humankind. We see
the Galactic Harbour importing the needed (Power and unique minerals); exporting the
noxious (Nuclear waste and Space debris); and supporting interplanetary exploration.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #6

Space Elevator Developmental Sequences (1&2)
The Space Elevator “Sequences” --- A discussion of ISEC’s basic technology and
engineering development approach.
First, start the design process for the Space Elevator Transportation system
Sequences #1 – Pathfinder experiments

61

 Sequences #2 – Seed Tether / Seed Events
Sequences have sequences

Space Elevator Architecture Note #7

Space Elevator Developmental Sequences (3, 4, & 5)
The discussion about the “Sequences” program continues. The need for an extensive on-
orbit testing program emerges.
Sequences #3 – Single String Testing
Sequences #4 – Operational Testing
Sequences #5 – Limited Operational Capability
Repetition is not a bad thing - Repetition is not a bad thing

Space Elevator Architecture Note #8

Space Elevator Developmental Sequences (6, 7, & 8)
The culminating steps in the “Sequences” program are discussed
Sequences #6 – Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
Sequences #7 – Capability On Ramps
Sequences #8 – Full Operational Capability (FOC)

Space Elevator Architecture Note #9

Space Elevator Strategic Approach
The Strategy to build the Space Elevator : This Note introduces ISEC’s “Strategic
Approach” for the development of the Space Elevator. It is a discussion of how to turn a
long-term vision into a long-term “plan”.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #10

Space Elevator Planning Horizon is 30 Years
Our Long-Term (30+ year) Planning Horizon may be the hurdle to possible venture
funding from industry: This note discusses how we can seek support from industry
funding sources. These sources provide funding grants for development of new
technologies and new concepts. ISEC must convince them that our approaches will
provide predictable return on their investments.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #11

Planning Horizon is Different than Having a Plan
We have a Planning Horizon reaching out to 30 years into the future. That is different
than having a plan for the next 30 years. The key word is horizon. Not “over the horizon”
like a fancy radar or a battlefield cavalry scout. Not “short of the horizon”, like
something that is well within our view. ISEC expects our Space Elevator to be valuable
for a while after IOC; out to the horizon

Space Elevator Architecture Note #12

Space Elevator Conference (2017) is Highlighted by Progress
The International Space Elevator Consortium met in Seattle for its 2017 Conference.
Boeing’s Museum of Flight sets the right tone for our musings; and, we all had a great
time. ISEC and Conference attendees embraced a new vision of its Space Elevator; the
Galactic Harbour. It will be a transportation force in the future, an enabler of robust
space-based enterprise, and the initial infrastructure of the 3rd dimension of Earth’s
transportation and logistics system.

62

 Space Elevator Architecture Note #13
Communications within the Galactic Harbour
This Note discusses how can we manage all these space objects with the entirety of the
Galactic Harbour. Safety and efficiency calls for communications with all the objects in
our inventory, keeping all of them under positive control; even though the objects are
spread over a few zillion cubic kilometers of the great unknown.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #14

Galactic Harbour Delineation
The concept of the Space Elevator Transportation System versus the Space Elevator
Enterprise System is discussed. There must be expansive discussions of the essential
functions of the Space Elevator Transportation System and – then- of the Space Elevator
Enterprise System. For the sake of order and simplicity, all currently identified functions
need to be placed in one of four stacks; 1) Transportation, 2) Enterprise, 3) both (or
shared), or 4) neither (customer provided).

Space Elevator Architecture Note #15

The Galactic Harbour's Full Operational Capability
First, let us recall our definition of FOC in terms of a development phase. The Full
Operational Capability (FOC) is achieved after Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is
achieved AND after adding some functions to the Space Elevator via Step 7 in the
Sequences; the On-Ramp Step. For those new to the game, “Sequences“ are the 8 steps
we intend to go through to attain an operational Space Elevator (see notes 6, 7, and 8).

Space Elevator Architecture Note #16

Space Elevator Transportation System, Ready?
As a preview, ISEC’s preliminary Technology and Engineering Readiness is summarized
in the note. When one looks at all the various technologies and where they are in the
Technology Readiness Level evaluations common to NASA projects, ISEC sees these
preliminary assessments as completed and ready to move into segment and system level
testing by industry.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #17

Galactic Harbour Strategic Approach must become our Plan
Our strategy is to link the Space Elevator Transportation System to the Space Elevator
Enterprise; within a Unifying Vision known as the Galactic Harbour. The Strategic
Approach is ISEC’s guiding theme for the technical development of a Space
Elevator. The Space Elevator Transportation System will be the core, priority
construction activity; and, its success will be the foundation of the Space Elevator
Enterprise System. They will be built in a manner separate from each other but not in
isolation. This “separate but not segregated” paradigm establishes both the prioritization
and collaboration between and within our near parallel development efforts.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #18

ISEC Must begin a Broad Outreach Program
There are any number issues that could affect us at the destination our progress. We need
to “check the schedule”; and see how a Space Elevator fits into the future. That is, the
future as seen by others. We need to reach out to a variety of legal, diplomatic,
technology, and jurisdictional authorities; and see how they see the Space Elevator fitting

63

into their future. If need be, ISEC should offer an enlightened view … so they see things
our way. It is our teaching moments and we need to make some plans. We need to form
our story (stories) and stick to it (them).

Space Elevator Architecture Note #19

Space Elevator Needs to Present out Story
ISEC is having a small conference in Seattle in Aug 2018. Our theme is that the Space
Elevator Transportation System development is closer than you think. That is our story.
ISEC is going to review the seven positive statements of the preliminary Technology
Readiness Assessment and make sure that development is ready for each of the segments
of the Transportation System. ISEC is going to do that self-examination with
thoroughness. That is our story and we are sticking to it.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #20

Architecture Engineering Baseline -- Change Management
We should be prepared for a decade of changes; followed by another series of changes;
and after that, more changes. So, we need an orderly change approach. An immutable
change approach is essential so that all working on the Space Elevator are working on the
same thing. The “change approach” matures into a detailed change process; used during
the Elevator’s design and development. Our modular design approach (See Architecture
Note #1) and our application of sequenced Architecture Engineering principals (See
Architecture Notes #6 through #8) must adhere to the fundamental Architecture theme
that mission performance in one segment can affect mission performance in other
segments. Thus, we foresee a change approach which is used between now and the end
of Validation demonstrations (see the Architectures and Roadmap Report); and a change
process (used during design and development).

Space Elevator Architecture Note #22

Robots and the Space Elevator
The history of space launch and operations, robotically, in retrospect, was remarkable.
But - it is noted here – from those critical early moments at launch until mission success
and de-orbit it was operated remotely and robotically. So will it be with the Space
Elevator. Humans will slide the payload into the Climber, conduct final safety checks:
and off it will go -- operated remotely and robotically. What would you expect? The
Space Elevator is the basis for safe, reliable, routine, environmentally clean access to
space. It is a job made for robots.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #23

Do you know the way to Anywhere?
One of the major benefits of a Space Elevator is the energy that can be used by just being
released from the Apex. The Apex is moving along at a rate based on the spinning Earth
- to which it is attached. Calculations show that velocity is nearly 8 kilometers per
second. That speed is the galactic free ride to anywhere; except you need to know the
way. As long as we are getting help with planes, planar crossings, coplanar approaches,
orbits, departure times, vectors, and velocities to approach our destination; we might as
well ask for a list of destinations. Let’s see - the Moon, Mars, several asteroids, moons
around Mars, and probably more destinations. Sort of like an interplanetary bus schedule,
with different information columns; velocities needed, departure times, plane changes,

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duration of trips, and so on. Our departure from the Apex needs to be effectively aimed.
The highways in Space are the orbits of the heavenly bodies.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #24

The Path to Tech Readiness!
In the last 6 years, ISEC’s Technology Maturation approach has melded with a better
definition of the Space Elevator engineering solution. The 2014 publication of ISEC’s
“Architecture and Roadmap” Report removed the shroud of mystery and myth from the
Elevator’s scope and complexity. In the last year, the International Space Elevator
Consortium advocated that the basic technologies needs were available, and each
segment of the Space Elevator Transportation System was ready for engineering
validation. Phase two will begin soon after phase one completion. Industry involvement
is an imperative. Phase two activities are driven by six major activities:
Examine Industry’s production foundation
Determine if the segments can be built
Assess schedule & technical risk:
Delineate design criteria
Set criteria and standards to enter the Design Validation Phase
Baseline operations performance:

Space Elevator Architecture Note #25

Space Elevator Architecture’s Debris Mitigation Roles
ISEC believes that debris mitigation concepts will be built, operating, and thriving before
the Space Elevator Transportation System reaches operational status. To that end, this
paper serves as the initial characterization of how the Elevator can allocate the needed
performance to a system then available. there are five parts to the ISEC mitigation
approach: Debris Alerts available, Debris Size identified, Tether movement upon
demand, Sentry Concept developed, and Recovery approaches included.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #26

Road Signs or not, the Space Elevator Transportation System changes everything!
The Space Elevator Transportation System will make a dramatic difference on
intergalactic travel. It changes everything about travel within our solar system. Travelers
and supplies should not have to wait for many months for the proper alignment of orbit
planes to get to Mars. Departures can be every day! The duration of travel will also be
much less than the long trip we have heard. Our vision is simple è Free, Fast and Daily
Delivery! No waiting! Package up your stuff, send it up the Elevator, and depart
according to the bus schedule.

Space Elevator Architecture Note #27

Space Elevator Mission Support Equals Mission Success
Begin a collaborative mission definition & documentation process of the missions to
Mars, the Moon and elsewhere. The primary premise is that interplanetary missions will
be fully and completely supported by a Space Elevator Transportation System; almost
concurrently with the exploratory manned mission elements at the outset; that outpost
reinforced by the Space Elevator delivered supplies and logistics needed to sustain and
grow.

65

Appendix F: List of Space Elevator References

List of Space Elevator References

Dear Space Elevator Researcher – A summary of papers and books about space
elevators is shown below with a breakout as shown in the table of categories. Most
are on the web already, but if you have trouble finding an article, [or wish to update
the list] please email us and we will try to connect you with the author –
[email protected]. [as of Sept 2019]

Categories
• Baseline Documents
• ISEC Studies
• Architecture
• Systems Engineering
• Management
• Tether Materials and Design
• Environmental [debris, radiation, Ox, electromagnetic]
• Tether Dynamics and Electrodynamics
• In the Atmosphere [Earth Port, Multi-Stage, HQ/POC]
• Tether Climbers Design and Power
• NODES [GEO, Apex Anchor, Gates & Centers]
• Lunar and mars Elevators
• Miscellaneous

Baseline Documents
• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-
Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Edwards, B. and Laine, M. (2003), “The Space Elevator”. Available at:
http://www.mill-creek-systems.com/HighLift/chapter3.html
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Raitt, David, Space Elevators: A History, ISEC Report 2017.
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, Science Deck
(2013) ISBN-13: 978-2917761311
• Swan, P., David Raitt, Space Elevator – 15 Year Update, Journal of British
Interplanetary Society, Vol 69, No 06/07, Dec 2016.
• Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji
Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era, Virginia Edition Publishing Company,
Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3

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 ISEC Studies and Journals

• Swan, Peter, Robert “Skip” Penny, and Cathy Swan, Space Elevator Survivability
– Space Debris Mitigation, Lulu.com, 2011.
• Penny, Robert. Swan, Peter, & Cathy Swan, “Space Elevator Concept of
Operations,” ISEC Position Paper #2012-1, International Space Elevator
Consortium, Fall, 2013.
• Penny, R., P. Swan, C. Swan, J. Knapman, P. Glaskowsky, Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Tether Climbers, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2014
• Fitzgerald, M, R. Penny, P. Swan, C. Swan, Space Elevator Architectures and
Roadmaps, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com, 2015
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Vern Hall, Cathy Swan, Peter Swan, Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Apex Anchor and GEO Node, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com,
2017.
• Hall, Vern, R. Penny, P. Glaskowsky, S. Schaeffer, Design Considerations for
Space Elevator Earth Port, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2016.
• Knapman, Joh, P. Glaskowsky, D. Gleeson, V. Hall, D. Wright, M. Fitzgerald, P.
Swan, Design Considerations for the Multi-Stage Space Elevator, ISEC Study
Report, lulu.com, 2018.
• Swan, Peter, Michael Fitzgerald, “Space Elevator GEO Node and Apex Anchor
Architectures,” IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Semon, Ted Editor, "CLIMB Journal," Vol 1, No. 1, Lulu.com, Dec 2011.
• Semon, Ted Editor, "CLIMB Journal," Vol 2, No. 1, Lulu.com, July 2013.
• Semon, Ted Editor, "Via Ad Astra - The Space Elevator Magazine," Vol. 1, No.
1, Lulu.com, Dec 2015.
• Wright, Dennis, S. Avery, J. Knapman, M. Lades, P. Roubekas, P. Swan; Design
Considerations for a Software Space Elevator Simulator, ISEC Study Report,
lulu.com, 2017

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 Architecture

• Aleksandrov, Oleg, VERSION OF THE SPACE ELEVATOR, IAC-14, paper and

presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Artsutanov, Y. (1960), "Into the Cosmos by Electric Rocket," Komsomolskaya
Pravda, 31 July 1960. (Contents described in English, Lvov in Science, 158, 946-
947, 1967.)
• Artsutanov, Y., "Into the Cosmos by Electric Rocket," Komsomolskaya
Pravda, 31 July 1960. (The contents are translated by Lvov in Science,
158, 946-947, 1967.)
• Artsutanov, Y., "Into the Cosmos without Rockets," Znanije-Sila 7, 25,
1969.
• Artsutanov, Y., "Railway ‘Moon-Earth’," Technika Molodishi, No. 4, p. 21, 1979.
• Cavallini, Anders, MEO Tethered Space Elevator System Architecture Feasibility
Study, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-
Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Edwards, Bradley, The Space Elevator, NIAC Phase I Study Report, 2000.
• Edwards, B. The Space Elevator, NIAC Phase II Final Report, 2003.
• Fitzgerald, M, R. Penny, P. Swan, C. Swan, Space Elevator Architectures and
Roadmaps, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com, 2015
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Galactic Harbour, a Strategic Vision Emerges,” Presentation
at the National Space Society Conference, St. Louis, May 2017.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Strategic Approach to the Space Elevator,” presented at
2017 ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Review of Architectural Notes,” presented at 2017 ISEC
Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Delineation,” presented at 2017 ISEC
Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Preliminary Technology Readiness Assessment of the Space
Elevator Transportation System. International Space Elevator Conference, paper
and presentation, Seattle, Aug 2018.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Final Summary and Brief on Preliminary Technology
Readiness Assessment of the Space Elevator Transportation, System,
International Space Elevator Conference, paper and presentation, Seattle, Aug
2018.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Space Elevator Pathway to Technology Maturity … and
Beyond, From Fountains to Tech Ready. presented at 2019 International Space
Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Pathway to Technological Maturity and Beyond. Presented at
NSS International Space Development Conference, Washington, D.C. June 7-9
June, 2019.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Technical Maturity and Development Readiness of the
Galactic Harbour, IAC-19, paper and presentation, Washington D.C., Oct 2019

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• Fitzgerald, Michael, Pathway Chronicles – Some Anecdotes, Architecture Notes
as a Diary. presented at 2019 International Space Elevator Conference, Seattle,
16-18 Aug 2019.
• Gardner, J. (2003), “Where on Earth? Choosing an Anchor Point,” 2nd Annual
International Space Elevator Conference, Sante Fe, NM. Oct 2003
• Gassend, B. (2004), “Non-Equatorial Uniform-Stress Space Elevator,” 3rd Annual
International Space Elevator Conference, Washington DC, 20 June 2004.
• Gassend, B. (2004), “Exponential tethers for accelerated space elevator
deployment”. In Proc. of 3rd International Space Elevator Conference, June 2004.
• Isaacs, John, Allyn Vine, Hugh Bradner, George Bachus, "Satellite Elongation
into a True "Sky-Hook," Science, Vol 151, Issue 3711, pg 682-683, 11 Feb 1966
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Ishikawa Yoji, Obayashi Corporation’s Space Elevator Construction Concept,
Journal of British Interplanetary Society, Vol 69, No 06/07, Dec 2016.
• JSTM (2010), “Strategic Technology Road Map 2010”, Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry of Japan. Available
• Knapman, John, P. Glaskowsky, D. Gleeson, V. Hall, D. Wright, M. Fitzgerald,
P. Swan, Design Considerations for the Multi-Stage Space Elevator, ISEC Study
Report, lulu.com, 2018.
• at: http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/gijutsu_kakushin/kenkyu_kaihatu/str20
10.html (In Japanese only)
• Laine, M. (2006), “LiftPort Group Space Elevator Road Map.” LiftPort, 2006
• Lang, D. D., “Space elevator initial construction mission overview”, URL:
http://home.comcast.net/~GTOSS/S (cited 1 Feb. 2010)
• Laubscher, Bryan, Space Elevator Systems Overview, International Space
Elevator Conference, paper and presentation, Seattle, Aug 2018.
• Merrow, E. (2011), “Industrial Megaprojects, Concepts, Strategies, and Practices
for Success”. John Wiley & Sons, 2011
• METI. (2010). “Strategic Technology Roadmap”. Ministry of Economy, Trade &
Industry of Japan, 2010. Available (in Japanese only) at:
http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/gijutsu_kakushin/kenkyu_kaihatu/str2010.
html
• METI. (2010) “Technology Strategy Map”, Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry of Japan, 2010. Available at:
http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/gijutsu_kakushin/kenkyu_kaihatu/str2010.
html
• Nogawa, Yuichiro, Space Elevator Concept Comparison Summary, IAC-14,
paper and presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Pasko, Vadym, Space Elevator. Alternative Design Solutions., IAC-15, paper and
presentation, Jerusalem, Oct 2015.
• Pearson, Jerome, "The Orbital Tower: a Spacecraft Launcher using the Earth's
rotational energy," Acta Astronautica, Vol 2, pp 785-799, Jan. 1975.
• Pearson, Jerome, "Using the Orbital Tower to Launch Earth-Escape Spacecraft
Daily," IAF-76, October 1976.
• Pearson, J., E. Levin, J. Oldson, and H. Wykes, Lunar Space Elevators for
CISLUNAR Space Development, NIAC Phase I Final Technical Report, 2 May
2005.
• Pullum, Laura, Space Elevator’s Architectural View – 1, IAC-04, paper and
presentation, Vancouver, Oct 2004

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• Ragan, P. and B. Edwards, Leaving the Planet by Space Elevator, www.lulu.com,
2006.
• Shelef, B., “The Space Elevator Feasibility Condition”, Climb Journal, Volume 1,
Number 1, p. 87. And in - Spaceward Foundation, 2008. Available at:
http://www.spaceward.org/elevator-library#SW
• Shelef, B., “Segment Based Ribbon Architecture”., In Proc. of 3rd International
Space Elevator Conference, June 2004.
• Shelef, B., “A Solar-Based Space Elevator Architecture,” Spaceward Foundation,
2008. http://www.spaceward.org/elevator-library#SW
• Squibb, Gael, Daryl Boden, and Wiley Larson, Cost Effective Space Mission
Operations, McGraw Hill, 1996.
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.
• Swan, Peter, Safe Space Elevator – An Expectation to be Met Through a System
Architecture Approach, IAC-04, paper and presentation, Vancouver, Oct 2004.
• Swan, Peter, Space Elevator Vision - An Enabler, IAC-06, paper and presentation,
Valencia, Oct 2006
• Swan, Peter and Cathy Swan, Space Elevator Systems Architecture, Lulu.com
publishers, 2007.
• Swan, Peter, “Space Elevator 101, Status and Architectures,” Presentation at the
National Space Society Conference, St. Louis, May 2017.
• Swan, Peter, Role of a Space Elevator Systems Architect, IAC-07, paper and
presentation, Naples, Oct 2007.
• Swan, P., Space Elevator Current and Future Thrusts, Journal of British
Interplanetary Society, Vol 69, No 06/07, Dec 2016.
• Swan, Peter, Michael Fitzgerald, “How the Space Elevator Grew into a Galactic
Harbour,” IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Swan, Peter Michael Fitzgerald, Galactic Harbour Duality – Enterprise and
Infrastructure, IAC-18, paper and presentation, Bremen, Oct 2018.
• Swan, Peter, Apex Anchor Fast Transit to Mars. presented at 2019 International
Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
• Swan, P., David Raitt, John Knapman, Akira Tsuchida, Michael Fitzgerald, Yoji
Ishikawa, Road to the Space Elevator Era, Virginia Edition Publishing Company,
Science Deck (2019) ISBN-19: 978-0-9913370-3-3
• Torla, James and Matthew Peet, Space Elevator Support for Interplanetary Flight.
Presented at NSS International Space Development Conference, Washington,
D.C. June 7-9 June, 2019.
• TSM (2010), “Technological Strategy Zmap 2010 – Energy”, Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry. Available at:
http://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/gijutsu_kakushin/kenkyu_kaihatu/str2010
download.html
• Tsuchida, Akira, “A Space Elevator Roadmap 2010,” 2010 IAC, Prague, Oct
2010.
• Tsuchida, Akira, Space Elevator Road Map 2011, IAC-11, paper and
presentation, Cape Town, Oct 2011.
• Tsuchida, Akira, Space Elevator Roadmap 2012, IAC-12, paper and presentation,
Naples, Oct 2011.
• Tsuchida, Akira, Japanese Space Train concept, 2009 IAC, paper and
presentation, Daejeon, Oct 2009.

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• Tsuchida, Akira, et al. (2011), “Space Elevator Road Map 2011”, 62nd
International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, 2011
• Tsuchida A. et al (2009), “New Space Transportation System-Space Train
(Elevator) : World trends and Japanese Space Train Concept”,
• Tsuchida A. et al, “New Space Transportation System-Space Train (Elevator) :
World trends and Japanese Space Train Concept”, Technical report of IEICE.
SANE 109(101), 93-98, 2009-06-18.
• Technical report of IEICE. SANE 109(101), 93-98, 2009-06-18
• USAF (2012), “Energy Horizons”, United States Air Force, Energy S&T Vision
2011-2026, AF/ST TR 11-01 31 January 2012, Pgs. 21-24.
• Welch, J. (2012),
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articulate/151585.html, June 2012.
• Wright, Dennis, S. Avery, J. Knapman, M. Lades, P. Roubekas, P. Swan; Design
Considerations for a Software Space Elevator Simulator, ISEC Study Report,
lulu.com, 2017

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 Systems Engineering

• AIAA/INCOSE. (1997) “SE Primer - Systems Engineering, A briefing”, August

1997.
• Angel, R. (2006), “Feasibility of Cooling the Earth with a Cloud of Small
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• Aravind, P.K., The physics of the space elevator, Am. J. Phys., 75 (2007), pp.
125–130
• Bumgardner, Marvin, Optimization of Low-Thrust Orbit Transfer During Initial
Ribbon Deployment for the Space Elevator, IAC-04, paper and presentation,
Vancouver, Oct 2004.
• Chapman, P. K. (2010), “Deploying Sunsats”, Online Journal of Space
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• Chati, Y.S., SPACE ELEVATOR: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND
TRANSPORTATION SCENARIOS, CLIMB, Vol. I, 2011.
• Cohen, S. and Misra, A. K., “Satellite Placement Using the Space Elevator,”
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• Dempsey, J. SPACE ELEVATOR DEPLOYMENT, CLIMB, Vol. II, 2013.
• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-
Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Fitzgerald, M, R. Penny, P. Swan, C. Swan, Space Elevator Architectures and
Roadmaps, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com, 2015
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Preliminary Technology Readiness Assessment of the Space
Elevator Transportation System. International Space Elevator Conference, paper
and presentation, Seattle, Aug 2018.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Final Summary and Brief on Preliminary Technology
REadiness Assessment of the Space Elevator Transportation, System,
International Space Elevator Conference, paper and presentation, Seattle, Aug
2018.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Pathway to Technological Maturity and Beyond. Presented at
NSS International Space Development Conference, Washington, D.C. June 7-9
June, 2019.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Technical Maturity and Development Readiness of the
Galactic Harbour, IAC-19, paper and presentation, Washington D.C., Oct 2019
• Hall, Vern, R. Penny, P. Glaskowsky, S. Schaeffer, Design Considerations for
Space Elevator Earth Port, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2016
• Hein, Andreas, Producing a Space Elevator Tether using a NEO: A Preliminary
Assessment, IAC-12, paper and presentation, Naples, Oct 2011.
• Hinton, G., SEVEN DEADLY ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SPACE ELEVATORS,
CLIMB, Vol. I, 2011.
• INCOSE. (2006), “Systems Engineering Handbook”, v3, June 2006
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.

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• Iwase, Satoshi, Comfortableness in Space Elevator — Physiological Challenge,
IAC presentation and paper, IAC-10 Session D4.
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elevator system”, 63rd International Astronautical Congress, Naples, Italy,
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• Knapman, John, Technical Description of the Multi-Stage Space Elevator,
International Space Elevator Conference, paper and presentation, Seattle, Aug
2018.
• Korn, Stanley, The Space Conveyor Could Revolutionize Space Travel. presented
at 2019 International Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
• Lang, David, SPACE ELEVATOR INITIAL CONSTRUCTION MISSION
OVERVIEW, CLIMB, Vol. II, 2013.
• Lansdorp, Bas, Design of High-Tension Elastically Deforming Space Tether
Deployer, IAC-04, paper and presentation, Vancouver, Oct 2004.
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• Larson, W. et al (2009), “Applied Space Systems Engineering”, McGraw Hill,
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systems development,” Presentation at the National Space Society Conference, St.
Louis, May 2017.
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1035), IAC-04, paper and presentation, Vancouver, Oct 2004
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materials and technologies, 2009 IAC, paper and presentation, Daejeon, Oct 2009.
• Meulenberg, Andrew, sling-on-a-ring: a realizable space elevator to leo?, IAC-08,
paper and presentation, Glasgow, Oct 2008.
• Penny, Robert. Swan, Peter, & Cathy Swan, “Space Elevator Concept of
Operations,” ISEC Position Paper #2012-1, International Space Elevator
Consortium, Fall, 2013.
• Penny, R. and Jones, R. (1983), “A Model for Evaluation of Satellite Population
Management Alternatives”, AFIT Master’s Thesis, 1983.
• Penny, R., P. Swan, C. Swan, J. Knapman, P. Glaskowsky, Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Tether Climbers, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2014
• Penny, Robert, Design Considerations for Geo Node, Apex Anchor and
Communications Architecture ISEC Study underway 2017.
• Pullum, Laura, Systems Engineering for the Space Elevator – Complexity, IAC-
05, paper and presentation, Fukuoka, Oct 2005.
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Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.

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• Robinson, Peter, Space Elevator Simulation: Validation and Metrology, Via Ad
Astra, Vol 1, 2015.
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considerations for proposed space elevator,” Acta Astronautica 60, 198 (2007).
• Jorgensen, Anders, How do Realistic Magnetospheric Fields Affect Space
Elevators?, IAC-16, paper and presentation, Guadalajara, Oct 2016
• Tsyganenko, N.A., “A Magnetospheric Magnetic Field Model with a Warped Tail
Current Sheet,” Planetary and Space Science 37, 5 (1989).
• Wright, D. “Electric Currents on the Space Elevator,” International Space
Elevator Conference, Seattle, August 2013.

92

 In the Atmosphere [Earth Port, Multi-Stage, HQ/POC]

Earth Port

• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-

Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Edwards, Bradley, The Space Elevator, NIAC Phase I Study Report, 2000.
• Edwards, B. The Space Elevator, NIAC Phase II Final Report, 2003.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Fukazawa, Takeyuki, A Study of Marine Node in Construction stage of the space
elevator, IAC-18, paper and presentation, Bremen, Oct 2018.
• Hall, Vern, R. Penny, P. Glaskowsky, S. Schaeffer, Design Considerations for
Space Elevator Earth Port, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2016
• Hall, Vernon, “Earth Port Access City: The Case for Hawaii,” presented at 2017
ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Knapman, John, P. Glaskowsky, D. Gleeson, V. Hall, D. Wright, M. Fitzgerald,
P. Swan, Design Considerations for the Multi-Stage Space Elevator, ISEC Study
Report, lulu.com, 2018.
• Penny, Robert, Concept for a Space Elevator Earth Port, IAC-16, paper and
presentation, Guadalajara, Oct 2016
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.
• Swan, Peter, Space Elevator Design Aspects for the Environment, IAC-12, paper
and presentation, Naples, Oct 2011.
• Swan, Peter, Characteristics of Space Elevator Apex Anchor, International Space
Elevator Conference, paper and presentation, Seattle, Aug 2018.
• Takeyuki Fukazawa, Study of Tension Control Components on Earth surface
platform for Space Elevator System. IAC-19, paper and presentation, Washington
D.C., Oct 2019

93

 Multi-Stage

• Knapman, John, Space Elevator in the Atmosphere, IAC-14, paper and

presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Knapman, John, “Benefits and Development of High Stage One for the Space
Elevator,” Naples IAC presentation and paper, IAC-12 D4.6.
• Knapman, John, “A Multi-Stage Elevator,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space
Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21 August 2016.
• Knapman, John, Space Elevator Stage I, IAC-11, paper and presentation, Cape
Town, Oct 2011.
• Knapman, John, Benefits and Development of a High Stage One for the Space
Elevator, IAC-12, paper and presentation, Naples, Oct 2011.
• Knapman, John, The Space Elevator in the Earth’s Atmosphere, Via Ad Astra,
Vol 1, 2015.
• Knapman, John, The Space Elevator Tower, IAC-16, paper and presentation,
Guadalajara, Oct 2016
• Knapman, John, “Stability of the Multi-stage Space Elevator,” presented at 2017
ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Knapman, John, P. Glaskowsky, D. Gleeson, V. Hall, D. Wright, M. Fitzgerald,
P. Swan, Design Considerations for the Multi-Stage Space Elevator, ISEC Study
Report, lulu.com, 2018.
• Knapman, John, The Multi-Stage Elevator: 2019 Update. presented at 2019
International Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
• Kanpman, John, Progress Report on the Multi-stage Space Elevator. IAC-19,
paper and presentation, Washington D.C., Oct 2019

94

 HQ/POC

• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-

Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Fitzgerald, M, R. Penny, P. Swan, C. Swan, Space Elevator Architectures and
Roadmaps, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com, 2015
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Hall, Vern, R. Penny, P. Glaskowsky, S. Schaeffer, Design Considerations for
Space Elevator Earth Port, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2016
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Penny, Robert. Swan, Peter, & Cathy Swan, “Space Elevator Concept of
Operations,” ISEC Position Paper #2012-1, International Space Elevator
Consortium, Fall, 2013.
• Penny, Robert, Design Considerations for Geo Node, Apex Anchor and
Communications Architecture ISEC Study underway 2017.
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.

95

 Tether Climbers Design and Power

• Angel, R. (2006), “Feasibility of Cooling the Earth with a Cloud of Small

Spacecraft near L1,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, v 103,
n46, 2006 November 14, 2006. Pp. 17184–17189.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1859907
• Aoki, Yoshio Jun Maeda, Linear Direct Drive Motor Mechanism for Use in
tethered satellites, IAC-18, paper and presentation, Bremen, Oct 2018.
• Bartoszek, Larry, “Getting the Mass of the First Construction Climber Under 900
Kg,” ISEC Conference, Seattle, 2013.
• Bou, Elisenda,Laser and the Space Elevator: an Approachment, IAC-07, paper
and presentation, Naples, Oct 2007.
• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-
Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Edwards, Bradley, Results from the First Annual Space Elevator Climber
Competition, IAC-05, paper and presentation, Fukuoka, Oct 2005.
• Hein, Andreas, analysis of possible changes in spacecraft design due to the usage
of a space elevator for transportation, 2009 IAC, paper and presentation, Daejeon,
• Inoue, Fumihiro, Experiment study of Climber Mechanism with Cross Roller
System for Heavy Load in Space Elevator, IAC-18, paper and presentation,
Bremen, Oct 2018.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Hinton, G., HEAT DISSIPATION ISSUES IN SPACE ELEVATOR
CLIMBERS, CLIMB, Vol. I, 2011.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, Inoue, Fumihiro, Experimental Study on Climber Mechanism
Applying Cross Roller System for Small Manned Space Elevator. IAC-19, paper
and presentation, Washington D.C., Oct 2019
• Inoue, Fumihiro, Development and Driving Experiment of Climber Mechanism
for Heavy Load in Space Elevator, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide,
Australia, Sept 2017.
• Kakuta, Tomohiro, Thermal Study for the STARS-E Climber's Mission, IAC-17,
paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Keshmiri, Mehdi, On the deployment of a subsatellite in a space elevator system,
IAC-12, paper and presentation, Naples, Oct 2011.
• Knapman, John, Diverse Configurations of the Space Cable, IAC presentation and
paper, IAC-10 Session D4.
• Knapman, John, “Tether Climber at Constant Power,” ISEC Conference, Seattle,
2013.
• Knapman, John, “Benefits and Development of High Stage One for the Space
Elevator,” Naples IAC presentation and paper, IAC-12 D4.6.
• Lades, Martin, “Climber-Tether Interface for a Space Elevator, ISEC Conference,
Seattle, 2013.
• Lades, Martin, Wireless Power Transfer to a Moving Vehicle: Explorations with
the Kansas City team for the NASA/Spaceward power beaming challenge, IAC
presentation and paper, IAC-10 Session D4.
• Laine, Michael, Chapter 3: Spacecraft at: http://www.mill-creek-
systems.com/HighLift/chapter3.html
• Lofstrom, Keith, “Acoustic Powered Tether Climbers,” presented at 2017 ISEC

96

 Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Mankins, J. (2011), “Space Solar Power, The First International Assessment of
Space Solar Power: Opportunities, Issues and Potential Pathways Forward”, IAA,
October 2011.
• Nakashima, Kenji, Design of reel-type tether deployment mechanism and analysis
of tether deployment dynamics in the microsatellite STARS-E for verifying the
basic technology of space elevator, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide,
Australia, Sept 2017.
• Ohno, Shuichi, Japanese Space Elevator Competitions and Challenges, Journal of
British Interplanetary Society, Vol 69, No 06/07, Dec 2016.
• Ohno, Shuichi, “Space Mechatronics - A Global Challenge of SE Communities,”
presented at 2017 ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Pasko, Vadym, An assessment of the technological feasibility of applying GEO-
based solar pumped lasers for feeding the Space Elevator exoatmospheric
climber, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Penny, Robert “Skip”, “Tether Climber Operational Phases,” ISEC Conference,
Seattle, 2013.
• Penny, Robert, Space Elevator Climber Operations, IAC-14, paper and
presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Penny, R., P. Swan, C. Swan, J. Knapman, P. Glaskowsky, Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Tether Climbers, ISEC Study Report, www.lulu.com, 2014
• Purang, Deepak (n.d.), “Space sunshade may one day reduce global warming.”
Editorial.
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_one_day_reduce_global_warming.html
• Robinson, Peter, Space Elevator Climber : Tether Interface, Reliability and Other
Considerations. presented at 2019 International Space Elevator Conference,
Seattle, 16-18 Aug 2019.
• Robinson, Peter, Tether Material and the Climber Interface. Presented at NSS
International Space Development Conference, Washington, D.C. June 7-9 June,
2019.
• Semon, Ted, “Hybrid Tether Climber,” ISEC Conference, Seattle, 2013.
• Shelef, B., “A Solar-Based Space Elevator Architecture,” Spaceward Foundation,
2008. http://www.spaceward.org/elevator-library#SW
• Shelef, B., “Segment Based Ribbon Architecture”., In Proc. of 3rd International
Space Elevator Conference, June 2004.
• Shelef, B., “The Space Elevator Feasibility Condition”, Climb Journal, Volume 1,
Number 1, p. 87. And in - Spaceward Foundation, 2008. Available at:
http://www.spaceward.org/elevator-library#SW
• Shelef, B., “Space Elevator Power System Analysis and Optimization, Spaceward
Foundation, 2008. Available at: http://www.spaceward.org/elevator-library#SW
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and Electro-Optical Systems Handbook: Atmospheric Propagation of Radiation,
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• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.

97

• Swan, Peter, What if? Space Solar Power was Enabled by Space Elevators, IAC-
08, paper and presentation, Glasgow, Oct 2008.
• Swan, Peter, Space Elevator Tether Climbers – Normal Spacecraft?, IAC-14,
paper and presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Swan, P., NASA’s Space Elevator Games: A History, Journal of British
Interplanetary Society, Vol 69, No 06/07, Dec 2016.
• TSM , “Technological Strategy Zmap 2010 – Energy”, Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry. Available at:
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• Tsuchida A. et al, “New Space Transportation System-Space Train (Elevator):
World trends and Japanese Space Train Concept”, Technical report of IEICE.
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• Yoshino, Kazuyoshi, Experimental Study on Speed Control of Rider on Twisted
Tape Tether Using Image Processing, IAC-13, paper and presentation, Beijing,
Oct 2013.
• Yokota, Shun, Regarding the Effect of a Climber's Motion on the Tethered
Satellite System, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.

98

 Nodes [GEO, Apex Anchor, Gates & Centers]

GEO Node

• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-

Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Vern Hall, Peter Swan, Cathy Swan, “Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Apex Anchor and GEO Node,” ISEC Study Report, 2017.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, Critical Technologies for Space Elevator’s GEO Nodes, Earth
Port, Gates and Communications, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide,
Australia, Sept 2017.
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.
• Swan, Peter, Michael Fitzgerald, “Space Elevator GEO Node and Apex Anchor
Architectures,” IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.

99

 Apex Anchor

• Edwards, Bradley and Eric Westling, Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Earth-to-

Space Transportation System, BC Edwards publishing, 2002.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, “Space Elevator Sequences and Initial Operational
Capability,” Paper given at 2016 ISEC Space Elevator Conference, Seattle, 19-21
August 2016.
• Fitzgerald, M, R. Penny, P. Swan, C. Swan, Space Elevator Architectures and
Roadmaps, ISEC Study Report, lulu.com, 2015.
• Fitzgerald, Michael, Vern Hall, Peter Swan, Cathy Swan, “Design Considerations
for Space Elevator Apex Anchor and GEO Node,” ISEC Study Report, 2017.
• Ishikawa, Yoji, The Space Elevator Construction Concept, Obayashi Corporation,
2013, IAC-13-D4.3.6.
• Swan, P., Raitt, Swan, Penny, Knapman. International Academy of Astronautics
Study Report, Space Elevators: An Assessment of the Technological Feasibility
and the Way Forward, Virginia Edition Publishing Company, 2013.
• Swan, Peter, Michael Fitzgerald, “Space Elevator GEO Node and Apex Anchor
Architectures,” IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.

100

 Gates & Centers

Asteroids, Lunar and Mars Elevators

• Bezrodny, G., N. Greenfeld, A. Tatievsky, R. Qedar, O. Reuven, A. Kogan,

“Lunar Space Elevator, “Jacob’s Ladder,” Aerospace Faculty Technion, Haifa,
Israel, 2009.
• Eubanks, T.M., A space elevator for the far side of the moon, Annual Meeting of
the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, LPI Contributions (2013), p. 7047
• Eubanks, T.M., C.Maccone,C.F.Radley Lunar farside radio astronomy base
facilitated by lunar elevator Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis
Group, Vol.1863 of LPI Contributions (2015), p. 2014
• Ganapathy, Rohan, Conceptual Colonization of Space Using Space-Elevators
from Mars' natural Satellite "Phobos", IAC-13, paper and presentation, Beijing,
Oct 2013.
• Guerman, Anna, DYNAMICS OF A PLANET-TETHERED SPACECRAFT,
IAC-11, paper and presentation, Cape Town, Oct 2011.
• Guerman, Anna, Dynamics of moon elevator, IAC-14, paper and presentation,
Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Guerman, Anna, Space Elevator operation in proximity of asteroids, IAC-19,
paper and presentation, Washington D.C., Oct 2019
• Heckman, Fuller-Clarke Sphere, International Space Elevator Conference, paper
and presentation, Seattle, Aug 2018.
• Lades, Martin and Lake Matthew Team, “Omaha Trail to Lake Matthew,”
presented at 2017 ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Lades, Martin, Mars Lift UpdateIAC-18, paper and presentation, Bremen, Oct
2018.
• Laine, Michael, “Leveraging the lunar Space Elevator for L-1 Development,”
Presentation at the National Space Society Conference, St. Louis, May 2017.
• Mistry, Ashish, ELEVATOR TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN MARS & IT’S
MOONS, IAC-08, paper and presentation, Glasgow, Oct 2008.
• Moravec, H., A non-synchronous orbital skyhook J. Astronautical Sci., 25 (1977),
pp. 307–322
• Parkinson, Robert, Partial Beanstalks for Mars Exploration, IAC-04, paper and
presentation, Vancouver, Oct 2004.
• Pearson, Jerome, The Lunar Space Elevator, IAC-04, paper and presentation,
Vancouver, Oct 2004
• Pearson, J., E. Levin, J. Oldson, and H. Wykes, Lunar Space Elevators for
CISLUNAR Space Development, NIAC Phase I Final Technical Report, 2 May
2005.
• Pearson, J., Eugene Levin, John Oldson, and Harry Wykes, “The Lunar Space
Elevator,” Space Technology, Vol. 25, No. 3-4, pp. 203-209, 2005.
• Pearson, J., Eugene Levin, John Oldson, and Harry Wykes, “Lunar Space
Elevators for Cis-Lunar Transportation,” International Conference, Moon Base: A
Challenge for Humanity, Venice Workshop, Venice, Italy, 26-27 May 2005.
• Pearson, j. “Space Elevators for Earth and Moon,” presented at the International
Space Development Conference, ISDC 2007, Dallas, TX, 24-28 May 2007.
• Pearson, Jerome, LUNAR ANCHORED SATELLITE TEST, CLIMB, Vol. II,
2013.

101

• Pearson, Jerome, Anchored Lunar Satellites for Cislunar Transportation and
Communication, Via Ad Astra, Vol 1, 2015.
• Radley, Charles, Lunar Skylift: Cable Oscillations and their Treatment, IAC-14,
paper and presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Radley, Charles, Lunar Elevator - Payload transfer on Earthbound flow, IAC-14,
paper and presentation, Toronto, Oct 2014.
• Razzaghi, Kaveh, Conceptual Design and Technology Roadmap for a Lunar
Space Elevator, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.
• Swan, Peter, First Space Elevator: on the Moon, Mars or the Earth?, IAC
presentation and paper, IAC-10 Session D4.
• Swan, Peter, Opening up earth-moon enterprise with a space elevator, New Space,
3 (2015), pp. 213–217
• Wang, Xiaohui, Dynamics Research of Initial Tether Deployment of Lunar Space
Elevator, IAC-17, paper and presentation, Adelaide, Australia, Sept 2017.

102

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• Ambrose, S. (2000), “Nothing like it in the World”. Simon & Schuster, New
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American, 307, August 2012. pp. 54-59.
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232-241, edited by Glen A. Robertson.
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Elevator to LEO,” Proc. of SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011, Physics Procedia
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• Gaurav Sharma and Andrew Meulenberg, “Collosal Carbon Tubes as Tethers for
a Space Elevator,” Conf. Proceedings, International Space Elevator Consortium,
Seattle, Washington, USA, 23 Aug. 2012
• Meulenberg, A, “Future Perspectives in Space Solar Power Generation,
Transmission, and Storage,”Keynote speaker, International Multidisciplinary
Conf. on Solar Energy (IMDCSE-2012), Chennai, India, 1-3 Feb. 2012
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presented at the 62nd International Astronautical Congress 2011, Cape Town S.A.
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• Meulenberg, A., T. Poston, “Compressive members for a space elevator to LEO,”
presented at the 62nd Int. Astronautical Congress 2011, Cape Town S.A. Oct. 3-7

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2009 Daejeon, Korea, Oct. 2009
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at 2017 ISEC Conference, Seattle, 25-27 Aug 2017.
• Tsyganenko, N., Fortran programs Geopack-2008,
http://geo.phys.spbu.ru/~tsyganenko/modeling.html
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and presentation, Bremen, Oct 2018.

104

Appendix G: Description of ISEC

Who We Are
The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) is composed of individuals and
organizations from around the world who share a vision of humanity in space.
Our Vision
A world with inexpensive, safe, routine, and efficient access to space for the benefit of all
mankind.
Our Mission
The ISEC promotes the development, construction and operation of a space elevator
infrastructure as a revolutionary and efficient way to space for all humanity.
What We Do
• Provide technical leadership promoting development, construction, and operation of
space elevator infrastructures.
• Become the “go to” organization for all things space elevator.
• Energize and stimulate the public and the space community to support a space
elevator for low cost access to space.
• Stimulate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational
activities while supporting educational gatherings, meetings, workshops, classes, and
other similar events to carry out this mission.

A Brief History of ISEC

The idea for an organization like ISEC had been discussed for years, but it wasn’t until
the Space Elevator Conference in Redmond, Washington, in July of 2008, that things
became serious. Interest and enthusiasm for a space elevator had reached an all-time peak
and, with Space Elevator conferences upcoming in both Europe and Japan, it was felt that
this was the time to formalize an international organization. An initial set of directors and
officers were elected and they immediately began the difficult task of unifying the
disparate efforts of space elevator supporters worldwide.

ISEC's first Strategic Plan was adopted in January of 2010 and it is now the driving force
behind ISEC's efforts. This Strategic Plan calls for adopting a yearly theme to focus ISEC
activities. Because of our common goals and hopes for the future of mankind off-planet,
ISEC became an Affiliate of the National Space Society in August of 2013. In addition,
ISEC works closely with the Japanese Space Elevator Association.

Our Approach
ISEC’s activities are pushing the concept of space elevators forward. These cross all
disciplines and encourage people from around the world to participate. The following
activities are being accomplished in parallel:
• Yearly conference – International space elevator conferences were initiated by Dr.
Brad Edwards in the Seattle area in 2002. Follow-on conferences were in Santa Fe
(2003), Washington DC (2004), Albuquerque (2005/6 –smaller sessions), and Seattle
(2008 to the present). Each of these conferences had multiple discussions across the
whole arena of space elevators with remarkable concepts and presentations.
• Yearlong technical studies – ISEC sponsors research into a focused topic each year to
ensure progress in a discipline within the space elevator project. The first such study
was conducted in 2010 to evaluate the threat of space debris. The products from these

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 studies are reports that are published to document progress in the development of
space elevators. They can be downloaded at www.isec.org.
• International Cooperation – ISEC supports many activities around the globe to ensure
that space elevators keep progressing towards a developmental program. International
activities include coordinating with the two other major societies focusing on space
elevators: the Japanese Space Elevator Association and EuroSpaceward. In addition,
ISEC supports symposia and presentations at the International Academy of
Astronautics and the International Astronautical Federation Congress each year.
• Publications – ISEC publishes a monthly e-Newsletter, its yearly study reports and an
annual technical journal [CLIMB] to help spread information about space elevators.
In addition, there is a magazine filled with space elevator literature called Via Ad
Astra.
• Reference material – ISEC is building a Space Elevator Library, including a reference
database of Space Elevator related papers and publications. (see section before this on
references)
• Outreach – People need to be made aware of the idea of a space elevator. Our
outreach activity is responsible for providing the blueprint to reach societal,
governmental, educational, and media institutions and expose them to the benefits of
space elevators. ISEC members are readily available to speak at conferences and
other public events in support of the space elevator. In addition to our monthly e--
Newsletter, we are also on Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter.
• Legal – The space elevator is going to break new legal ground. Existing space treaties
may need to be amended. New treaties may be needed. International cooperation must
be sought. Insurability will be a requirement. Legal activities encompass the legal
environment of a space elevator - international maritime, air, and space law. Also,
there will be interest within intellectual property, liability, and commerce law.
Starting work on the legal foundation well in advance will result in a more rational
product.
• History Committee – ISEC supports a small group of volunteers to document the
history of space elevators. The committee’s purpose is to provide insight into the
progress being achieved currently and over the last century.
• Research Committee – ISEC is gathering the insight of researchers from around the
world with respect to the future of space elevators. As scientific papers, reports and
books are published, the research committee is pulling together this relative progress
to assist academia and industry to progress towards an operational space elevator
infrastructure.
• Competitions – ISEC has a history of actively supporting competitions that push
technologies in the area of space elevators. The initial activities were centered on
NASA’s Centennial Challenges called “Elevator: 2010.” Inside this were two specific
challenges: Tether Challenge and Beam Power Challenge. The highlight came when
Laser Motive won $900,000 in 2009, as they reached one kilometer in altitude racing
other teams up a tether suspended from a helicopter. There were also multiple
competitions where different strengths of materials were tested going for a NASA
prize – with no winners. In addition, ISEC supports the educational efforts of various
organizations, such as the LEGO space elevator climb competition at our Seattle
conference. Competitions have also been conducted in both Japan, Israel, and Europe.

ISEC is a traditional not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with a board of directors and
four officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. [email protected] /
www.isec.org

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 Today's Space Elevator

The summer of 2019 was a turning point in the visibility of Space Elevator
development and the future of movement off-Earth towards the Moon and the planets. This
study report represents the status of the space elevator transportation infrastructure as of the
Fall of 2019. The following four emerged:
• Theme One: Space Elevators are closer than you think!
• Theme Two: Galactic Harbour is a part of this global and interplanetary
transportation infrastructure
• Theme Three: Space elevator development has gone beyond a preliminary technology
readiness assessment and is ready to enter initial engineering validation testing --
leading to the establishment of needed capabilities.
• Theme Four: The magnitude of the Space Elevator Architecture demands that it be
understood and supported by many.

The Space Elevator and Galactic Harbour Concepts are ready for Prime Time
In the last year, the International Space Elevator Consortium assessed that basic technological
needs can be met with current capabilities: and, each segment of the Space Elevator
Transportation System is ready for engineering validation. Because of the availability of a new
material as a potential Space Elevator tether, the community strongly believes that a Space
Elevator will be initiated in the near term. The ISEC position:
1. The Galactic Harbour Earth Port è ready for engineering validation
2. Space Elevator Headquarters / Primary Operations Center è ready to start its
engineering validation program
3. Tether Climber è Engineering model assemblies needed -- leading to an engineering
validation program
4. GEO Node èEngineering discussions and demonstrations with key members of industry
are needed along with collaboration / outreach with government offices.
5. Apex Anchor è Engineering discussions and various simulations are needed. Near term
collaboration with engineering organizations and academia should begin follow-on
outreach to key members of industry and government. Engineering validation follows.
6. Tether material è Prime material candidate is identified; and, production
demonstrations are needed.
7. Collision avoidance è Architectural engineering definition is being finalized. Candidate
concepts are identified. On orbit performance demonstrations are needed.
WE are here!

Technology Engineering Design Mission

Feasibility Validation Validation Operations

The Space Elevator will be the

Figure 7, We are Here, Between Phases

Transportation Story of the 21st Century

ISBN 978-0-359-93496-6
90000

9 780359 934966



Figure 8, Operations is Downstream, the Fourth Phase










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