Dynamic Equilibria in Statistical and Nonlinear Physics of Uniform Stress Rotating Space Elevators (USRSE)

The discovery of ultra-strong materials such as carbon nanotubes and diamond nano-thread structures has recently motivated an enhanced interest for the physics of Space Elevators connecting the Earth with outer space. A new concept has recently emerged in space elevator physics: Rotating Space Elevators (RSE) [Golubović, L. & Knudsen, S. (2009). Classical and statistical mechanics of celestial scale spinning strings: Rotating space elevators. Europhysics Letters 86(3), 34001.]. Objects sliding along rotating RSE string (sliding climbers) do not require internal engines or propulsion to be transported from the Earth's surface into outer space. Here we address the physics of a special RSE family, Uniform Stress Rotating Space Elevators (USRSE), characterized by constant tensile stress along the string. From the point of view of materials science, this condition provides the best control of string’s global integrity. We introduce an advanced analytic approach to obtain the dynamic equilibrium configurations of USRSE strings. We use our results to discuss the applications of USRSE for spacecraft launching.

500 Years After Apollo

The Moon landing in 1969 was a cause for worldwide awe, by the 500th anniversary in 2469 space technologies may be so commonplace and so critical to human society that it will be impossible for anyone alive to fully appreciate the triumph. This article looks at technologies such as space elevators, power satellites, and rotating space settlements--both in their current state of development and their future potential.

Rotating Space Elevators: A New Venue in Space Elevator Physics

The physics of Space Elevators connecting the Earth with outer space has recently attracted increased attention, in part due to the discovery of ultra-strong materials such as carbon nanotubes and diamond nano-thread structures. In this article we review a new venue in space elevator physics: Rotating Space Elevators (RSE) [Golubovic, L. & Knudsen, S. (2009). Classical and statistical mechanics of celestial scale spinning strings: Rotating space elevators. Europhysics Letters 86(3), 34001.]. The RSE is a double rotating system of strings reaching outer space. Objects sliding along the RSE string (sliding climbers) do not require internal engines or propulsion to be transported far away from the Earth's surface. The RSE thus solves a major problem in the space elevator technology which is how to supply the energy to the climbers moving along the string. RSE strings exhibit interesting nonlinear dynamics and statistical physics phenomena. Satellites and spacecraft carried by sliding climbers can be released (launched) along RSEs. RSE strings can host space stations and research posts. Sliding climbers can be then used to transport useful loads and humans from the Earth to these outer space locations.

Physics of Celestial Scale Dumbbells

The physics of manmade celestial scale objects, such as Space Elevators connecting the Earth with outer space, has recently attracted increased attention of diverse researchers. In this article we review basic physics of celestial scale dumbbells such as the Analemma Tower suspended from an asteroid orbiting the Earth (Clouds, 2017). Celestial dumbbells involve two large masses (top and bottom) connected by strings. The two masses move geosynchronously with the Earth, with the bottom mass remaining close to the Earth and the top mass moving above the Earth’s geosynchronous satellite orbit. Appealing examples of celestial scale dumbbells are untied Rotating Space Elevators (RSE) (Knudsen & Golubovic, 2015). Physics of untied rotating space elevators. European Physical Journal Plus 130, 243.]. Celestial scale dumbbells exhibit rich and interesting nonlinear dynamics caused by instabilities of dumbbell geosynchronous motion discussed in this review article. We also point out that celestial scale dumbbells are physically feasible (in terms of nowadays available materials strengths) on dwarf planets in the main asteroid belt of the Solar system such as Ceres.