Magnetically levitated space elevator to low-earth orbit.

Conference · Mon Jul 02 04:00:00 EDT 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1472209· OSTI ID:797875

Hull, J R; Mulcahy, T M

The properties of currently available NbTi superconductor and carbon-fiber structural materials enable the possibility of constructing a magnetically levitated space elevator from the earth's surface up to an altitude of {approx} 200 km. The magnetic part of the elevator consists of a long loop of current-carrying NbTi, composed of one length that is attached to the earth's surface in an east-west direction and a levitated-arch portion. The critical current density of NbTi is sufficiently high that these conductors will stably levitate in the earth's magnetic field. The magnetic self-field from the loop increases the levitational force and for some geometries assists levitational stability. The 200-km maximum height of the levitated arch is limited by the allowable stresses of the structural material. The loop is cryogenically cooled with helium, and the system utilizes intermediate pumping and cooling stations along both the ground and the levitated portion of the loop, similar to other large terrestrial cryogenic systems. Mechanically suspended from the basic loop is an elevator structure, upon which mass can be moved between the earth's surface and the top of the loop by a linear electric motor or other mechanical or electrical means. At the top of the loop, vehicles may be accelerated to orbital velocity or higher by rocket motors, electromagnetic propulsion, or hybrid methods.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 797875
• Report Number(s): ANL/ET/CP-104232
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
ALTITUDE
BUILDING MATERIALS
CRITICAL CURRENT
CRYOGENICS
ELECTRIC MOTORS
HELIUM
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MOTORS
PROPULSION
PUMPING
ROCKETS
STABILITY
STRESSES
SUPERCONDUCTORS
VELOCITY