Russia will develop space elevators
November 30th, 2006
This Novisti (Russian News & Information Agency) article describes a rather unique take on a Space Elevator.
An excerpt: “Scientists from the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences have developed a unique space elevator for lunar and Martian missions. Although a bit slower, the new system will cut back on interplanetary delivery expenses. A space elevator consists of satellites, spacecraft and payloads linked by long, thin, flexible elements. The simplest system links two spacecraft by means of a cable with a length of several dozen or even several hundred kilometers. This tandem, which resembles a space sling, revolves around its center of gravity, which in turn has a predetermined orbit. Either of the two spacecraft can therefore launch a payload along any required trajectory without any rocket engines.”
Entry Filed under: News / Announcements
2 Comments Add your own
1. andy cochrane | December 1st, 2006 at 6:45 pm
fascinating idea! the question I have is how do the payloads reach the slingshot? is this a one-time use idea? do the two spacecraft launch as one and separate in space and begin the sling movement, or do they link up in orbit?
2. More Space Elevator news &hellip | October 25th, 2008 at 1:14 am
[…] all waiting on). I’ve previously posted about the ‘Russian perspective’ (here, here and here) which is very valuable, of course, but who can forget the travesty that they […]
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