Second Round of Tests

The official Liftport announcement, stating that they have successfully completed their “second round of preliminary tests of its high altitude platform and robotic lifters”.  They were able to launch their platform a full mile into the air while their robotic climbers were able to climb more than 1,500 feet.

CNT Ribbons maximum strength around 35 GPa?

In the email announcement I received about the release of Liftport’s February, 2006 Technical Newsletter, there was also an announcement about a study which had been done by Nicola M. Pugno (available here) stating that, because of “inherent defects” in a Carbon Nanotube cable, it’s maximum strenght would be no more than approx. 35 GPa.  If true, it’s a problem.  But only if it’s true.  Liftport has started a discussion forum on this subject here.

Robotic Space Spiders To Crawl Sub-Orbital Web

This article from Space.com discusses a new technology to be tried on an upcoming joint Japanese-European satellite launch.  This new technology, robotic “space spiders”, would be used to “crawl” along a web deployed in sub-orbital space in order to prove that the concept could work.  Possible future applications for these space spiders could include working on a space elevator.

LiftPort October, 2005 General Newsletter Released

This Newsletter was, because of it’s lengthy volume, released in two parts.  The first part gave a behind-the scenes look at the recent and (ultimately) successful 1,000 foot test of LiftPort’s Robotic Lifter.  As someone who has had his share of project crisis’ and subsequent all-nighters to rescue them, I can only say; “I feel you brother.”  It’s a fine story of perseverance and success.  Part Two of the Newsletter is an update from LiftPort’s CEO Michael Laine, touching on the carbon nanotube factory, finances and other recent LiftPort activities.  The Part One Newsletter can be found here and Part Two here.