Electrostatic Climber for Space Elevator and Launcher

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel electrostatic climber and launcher for space applications, utilizing a lightweight high-voltage line for energy transfer, potentially solving key problems in space elevator development and space launch technology.

Contribution

It introduces a new electrostatic linear engine for space elevators and launchers, offering adjustable speed, braking, and energy delivery via a lightweight high-voltage line.

Findings

Electrostatic climber can operate at any speed with braking capabilities.

The high-voltage line can supply energy to a space station.

The electrostatic engine can serve as a practical space launcher.

Abstract

Author details research on the new, very prospective, electrostatic Space Elevator climber based on a new electrostatic linear engine previously offered at the 42nd Joint Propulsion Conference (AIAA-2006-5229) and published in AEAT, Vol.78, No.6, 2006, pp. 502-508. The electrostatic climber discussed can have any speed (and braking), the energy for climber movement is delivered by a lightweight high-voltage line into a Space Elevator-holding cable from Earth electric generator. This electric line also can be used for delivery electric energy to a Geosynchronous Space Station. At present, the best solution of the climber problem (announced by NASA as one important awarding problem of Space Elevator) is problematic. Author also shows the linear electrostatic engine may be used as realistic power space launcher at the present time. Two projects illustrate these new devices. Key words: Space elevator, Electrostatic climber for space elevator, Electrostatic space launcher, Electrostatic accelerator. This work is presented as paper AIAA-2007-5838 for 43 Joint Propulsion Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 9-11 July, 2007,