1. Why I Chose Space Elevators Implementation of a “space elevator” would revolutionize man’s accessibility to space the same way the automobile changed our mobility on earth’s surface. In fact, the true impact is probably beyond anyone’s speculation, much as Henry Ford didn’t truly know what he was starting. My research is inexorably linked to satellites, so I have more than a casual interest in how those bits of metal and silicon get launched into space.

2. http://www.grahamharrop.com NanoChemistry Seminar Nov. 14, 2005 http://www.spacedaily.com Space Elevators Jeri Brunson Student Affiliation: Dept. of Physics, USU

3. http://www.clipartgallery.com Shuttle failure is currently 2% or 1 out of every 100 flights. Aging orbiters – 1 of 57. Each launch costs around 1 billion dollars Getting To Space

4. Photo from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency - http://spaceinfo.jaxa.jp Shuttle missions are now restricted to delivering payloads to the International Space Station, further diminishing the value of their use. Future of the Space Shuttle

5. http://www.alumni.umn.edu/ Russian scientist, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in 1895. In 1978, science fiction author, Arthur C. Clark, wrote about carbon fiber materials that would fulfill Tsiolkovsky’s vision. New Ideas and Concepts for Space Access

6. r = 42,170 km v = 3070 m/s The weight of the cable and climbers becomes important in determining the counterweight. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu Mechanics of Space Elevators

7. Photo from Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org The tether must be able to withstand the Earth’s atmosphere and the space environment. High voltages and currents develop as it cuts through the Earth’s magnetic field. It must be both extremely light- weight and stronger than any material now used in aerospace construction. Building a Tether

8. Photo from Georgia Institute of Technology http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu Carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube composite materials show great promise for use in developing a space elevator. Potentially 100x stronger than steel, flexible like plastic. Long chains could be braided together, short chains encased in a polymer matrix. Nanotubes Get Involved

9. Conceptual designs from Liftport Group - http://www.liftport.com/ And European Space Agency - http://www.esrin.esa.it/ Conceptual Designs

10. Animation property of Institute for Scientific Research http://www.isr.us/SEanimation.asp

11. Time estimates for viable elevators range from decades to centuries. “We’re closer now than lightyears to go.” – R.E. M. Future of Space Elevators

12. Acknowledgements NASA Liftport Group Institute for Scientific Research Wikipedia.com