Abstract
Abstract
This article presents the layout of a space elevator transportation infrastructure as it was presented in the International Academy of Astronautics study completed in 2014. In addition, new variations from recent studies are presented to place the system of systems in perspective. The major segments of the space elevator include the 100,000 km tether, Headquarters/Primary Operations Center, Marine Node Earth Terminus, Geosynchronous Node, and the Apex Anchor. Each of these is looked at with respect to its design parameters, current technological status, and possible schedules for development. An estimate of the financial investment required is presented with breakouts between research/development, construction, and operations. This look at the “status of space elevator infrastructures” presents details of viable concepts for development.
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