A space elevator is a concept that aims to revolutionize human access to space, but our current technology has limited us from creating one. However, a Japanese company believes it can build this theoretical structure.
Turning Theory Into a Reality
In 2012, Japanese company Obayashi Corporation announced plans to build a space elevator by 2050 which can take humans to Mars in just three to four months. The company is the same organization behind the iconic structures such as the 2,080-foot high Tokyo Skytree, hailed as the tallest tower in the world.
The concept of space elevator involves a long tether that links Earth to space to enable space travel without riding a rocket. Obayashi plans to start construction on a $100-billion project in 2025.
The project aims to make space travel faster and more affordable for everyone while enjoying zero gravity. The company plans to design this as a mode of transporting people and cargo for the construction of Geostationary Orbit Station which is located 22,369 miles (36,000 kilometers) above the Earth.
The space elevator works in a similar way as a regular lift made of a platform, tethers, a counterweight, and a ballast.According to Obayashi Corporation, the journey with the space elevator starts at an Earth Port which is 6 miles (10 kilometers) away from another Earth Port at the shore. The Earth Port at sea contains a ballast intended to anchor the cable of the elevator to Earth and adjust its tension.
Once it is complete, the Port will let the passengers soar into space and safely return to Earth. It will also contain a solar power system that will deliver energy to Earth.
To make an elevator work, a counterweight pulls up a platform as it descends. Then the force applied to the counterweight is adjusted by the motor to allow the platform to fall gently. Both the counterweight and the motor also apply breaks during emergencies.
The counterweight will be located 59,651 miles (96,000 kilometers) away from our planet. According to Obayashi, this feature will allow humans to reach Jupiter and even nearby asteroids. Additionally, the counterweight will deliver probes that collect resources from various parts of the solar system.
Challenges in Building a Space Elevator
A lot of experts agree that creating such a gigantic structure is possible, although some are also doubtful. Last year, Associate Information Scientist Christian Johnson published a technology assessment report where he discussed the major challenges that could be encountered by Obayashi.
First of all, the tether must be made of material with a great strength-to-weight ratio. Steel is a good option, but the company would need more supply than what is available on Earth. To solve this problem, Obayashi plans to use carbon nanotubes which are much lighter and more durable.
The tether will not be affected by harsh winds, but it could encounter extreme weather conditions. It can be destroyed by a direct lightning strike, so the location of the space elevator should be chosen carefully to mitigate or minimize the effects of lightning.
The space elevator may also be at risk of a terrorist attack. The experts argue that locating the tether on a floating platform would make it difficult to target.
Lastly, Johnson warned that the greatest challenge in building a space elevator is political in nature. He reported that the space elevator has dual use, which makes it useful for achieving military dominance in space.
RELATED ARTICLE: Company Gets Patent For Space Elevator
Check out more news and information on Space Elevator in Science Times.