The Space Elevator: From Science Fiction to Engineering

Space Elevators appear in many science fiction novels, but they may not be as much fiction as faster than light warp or hyperdrive. Space elevators may become science fact. The cost to move objects into space is the main obstacle, and why we currently are striving for reusable booster rockets to cut some of the initial cost. Likewise, after the initial cost of building a space elevator, the resulting savings of having an economical “lift” to space will take space exploration and science to a new level. But how close are we to developing or having the material and technology? There are researchers and groups that are working on giving us that answer.
Our July general meeting presentation will cover the basic concepts of the Space Elevator as conceived by Bradley Edwards and Eric Westling in their book “The Space Elevator – a revolutionary Earth-to-Space Transportation System.” Our presenter for the July meeting, Larry Bartoszek will also discuss concepts that have been developed by the International Space Elevator Consortium since that book was first published in 2003. Once we have a space elevator, the cost to get to orbit should plummet and the colonization of space can begin. Our presenter has done original design work on the first 900 kg construction climber for the space elevator, the 20 tonne first commercial climber, and a possible 200 tonne climber based on the 20 tonne climber technology. Climbers are electric vehicles that roll straight up the elevator ribbon and out of Earth’s atmosphere. Larry will show how the space elevator can outperform rockets in boosting payloads up to geostationary orbit and beyond.
Larry Bartoszek, an Aurora, IL resident, has a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from the University of Illinois and is an Illinois Licensed Professional Engineer. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Welding Society, ASM International, the Chicago Society for Space Studies the National Space Society, (an NSS Space Ambassador,) and the International Space Elevator Consortium. Larry Bartoszek worked at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory for 10 years, from 1983 to 1993. He now owns Bartoszek Engineering, a consulting firm which specializes in mechanical designs for the nuclear and high energy physics research community world-wide. Bartoszek Engineering has consulted with governments, national laboratories and universities all over the world.