Space Elevators, The Green Road to Space - Paperback

by Jerry Eddy (Author), Peter Swan (Author), Cathy Swan (Author)

This 18-month study has produced some remarkable results during a time of transition inside the space arena. As the dreams of many describe customer needs and lead to more assets in space (at GEO, the Moon and Mars), the realization grows that a robust permanent transportation infrastructure is desperately needed. Essentially, we (ISEC) must insert the "positive environmental impact" aspect of spaceflight into a new vision. Everyone needs to understand the potential benefits of liftoffs accomplished by electricity. Our new vision is: Space Elevators are the Green Road to Space - they enable humanity's most important missions by moving massive tonnage to GEO and beyond. They accomplish this safely, routinely, inexpensively, daily and they are environmentally neutral. This study shows how the Space Elevator can actually enhance the Earth's environment and accomplishes much to fulfill the dreams of many. The compatible and complementary combination of future rockets and Space Elevators leads to the implementation of the Dual Space Access Architecture which enables: Rockets to open up the Moon and Mars with Space Elevators to supply and grow the colonies. In addition, Space Elevators will enable Green Missions such as, Space Solar Power and L-1 Sun Shades.