Space Elevator-A Revolutionary Space Transportation System

Abstract

Space elevators are expected to change significantly the method of deployment of Earth-orbiting satellites, offering a more efficient and elegant approach than chemical rockets. A space elevator consists of one or more ribbons (tethers) stretching from the surface of the Earth to a counterweight located beyond the geosynchronous altitude. Before a full space elevator is deployed, it is likely that a partial space elevator will be deployed. One of the key requirements for the design of a space elevator is the understanding of its mechanics. This article discusses the statics and dynamics of space elevators.