Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Russia Studies Space-Elevator Clusters For Moon
Russia's Space Research Institute has been studying the idea of a space-elevator cluster to economically deliver payloads from the Earth to the Moon and back.
According to Russian studies and experiments, the space-elevator cluster should consist of several cable systems. The first is in a low circular Earth orbit, and the second in a low elliptical Earth orbit. The third cable system would be in a circular equatorial lunar orbit. By adjusting the length of the tethers, it will be possible to change each orbital system's angular speed of rotation.
Mission payloads would be exchanged from one orbital cableway to another. Payloads from Earth to the Moon would be placed in first system, which would "sling" them higher to the second system, and then to the Moon, where payloads would be caught by the third system.
The intent of this system is to save on the huge energy costs of moving freight to the Moon. According to the Space Research Institute, the new system will weigh 28 times less than the payload it will deliver to the Moon during its entire service life. In comparison, the fuel burned by conventional rocket engines will weigh 16 time more than their payload.
In reading about this, I found myself wondering where the energy for this will come from. Conservation of energy requires that the lowest tether, once it transfers energy to the payload, and boosting it higher, will fall to a lower orbit. How will it be raised again?
(MXER tether system slings payload)
One way is suggested by TUI, which is looking at using special tethers (cables) that can "push" against the Earth's magnetic field to move back up into position.
(MXER tether system regains orbital attitude)
This "new" Russian technology is starting to look a lot like the MXER - Momentum-eXchange/Electrodynamic Reboost tether technology - now under development by NASA. MXER research is proceeding in five different research areas: aerocapture; advanced chemical propulsion; solar electric propulsion; solar sail technologies; and space-based tether propulsion.
With the entry of the Russians into this area, it sounds like the race to build a "space railway" - a system of cableways that can sling payloads to the moon - is well underway.
Interested in space tethers? Check these out:
- Electrodynamic Tethers Boost Spacecraft
An electrodynamic tether (EDT) is a simple idea, but one with an amazing number of uses. - Non-Conductive Tethers - Free Artificial Gravity In Orbit
Tethers connecting satellites or space stations have some interesting effects even if they are not conductive. - Terminator Tether - EDT Solution To Space Debris
Studies have shown that low Earth orbit is not a limitless resource and should be managed more carefully.
Read more about the Russian space-elevator clusters and NASA's MXER technology.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 12/4/2006)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 1 )
Related News Stories - (" Space Tech ")
Chrysalis Generation Ship to Alpha Centauri
'This was their world, their planet —
this swift-traveling, yet seemingly moveless vessel.' - Nat Schachner, 1934
The First Space Warship For Space Force
'Each of the electrical ships carried about twenty men...' - Garrett P. Serviss, 1898.
Is China Mining Helium-3 On The Moon's Farside?
'...for months Grantline bores had dug into the cliff.' -
Solitary Black Hole Wanders In Space
'...the Hole is something like a vortex or a whirlpool?' - Frank K. Kelly, 1935.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
RoboBallet The Dance Of Cooperative Robots
'...an integrated seven-unit robot team.'
Chrysalis Generation Ship to Alpha Centauri
'This was their world, their planet —
this swift-traveling, yet seemingly moveless vessel.'
Alexa+ And Its AI Brain Improvements
'What's it do?' he asked. 'It amuses.'
Does CloneRobotics Offer A True Android?
Is this What Little Girls Are Made Of?
Brain Implant Is Able To Capture Your Inner Dialogue
'So you see, you can hide nothing from me.'
Are AIs Going Rogue Like Hal 9000
'I know that you and Frank were planning to disconnect me...'
Animated Tumblebugs On Astounding Cover!
'Gaines and Harvey mounted tumblebugs, and kept abreast of the Cadet Captain...'
LingYuan Vehicle Roof Drones Now Available, ala Blade Runner 2049
Accompanied by a small selection of similar ideas from science fiction.
China Steals Strato Airship Design From Google App Engine
'...war-balloons, or, as it would be more correct to call them, navigable aerostats.'
The First Space Warship For Space Force
'Each of the electrical ships carried about twenty men...'
Biohybrid Jellyfish Explore The Ocean
As predicted, and detailed, by science fiction writers!
Should AIs and AI Robots Demand Rights?
'This robot is a creature... It is a manlike being. Therefore, like any other talking, thinking man, he is entitled to a court trial!'
Robot Learns Human Tool Usage By Imitation Learning
'I got one of those new electronic cameras...'
Companion Caregiver ChatGPT Dolls
'Every Artificial Friend is unique, right?'
'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
'A great many of these synthetic babies were made...'
Man Builds 200 Foot Basement Firing Range
'The basement was huge... carved deep into the rock.'
