Editor’s Note

Note: If you are in the UK please note that on Monday, April 10 ISEC Research Team member Peter Robinson will be presenting on the SE at the West Didsbury Astronomical Society in Manchester. It will surely be an exciting presentation full of the latest SE info so please attend!

Dear Friend,

Welcome to the April 2017 Newsletter Here you will find current technical content from our engineers and new opportunities to get involved. Vern, Fitzer and John Knapman once again weigh in on the technical/logistical side of the Space Elevator and Pete continues to offer up inspiring methodologies for progress in the SE world. As always, thank you for reading!

With SpaceX's recent victory landing and reusing the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket we are living in an incredibly exciting time for space exploration. With the dawn of reusable rockets, space is truly becoming an economically viable market. All progress to reduce the cost of space travel brings us a step closer to realizing the Space Elevator. The more travel to and from Earth orbit and beyond, the more we will need even more affordable transportation systems like the SE!  

If you missed previous news, our pilot internship program last Summer was a success and we are now offering opportunities for Summer 2017. More specifically, we are offering two paid positions this summer for undergraduate students. This program is aimed at Freshman and Sophomores in Aerospace fields, but all are welcome to apply. The program is explained in detail below. We look forward to your applications by April 15th! If you have yet to apply, now is the time!

As always, you will find notices of several open volunteer positions (a great way to help this project, even if you’re not a scientist or engineer) and a reminder that all ISEC reports are available FOR FREE in electronic (pdf) format at ISEC.org. There is plenty of work to be done!

If you want to help us make a space elevator happen, JOIN ISEC and get involved! A space elevator would truly revolutionize life on earth and open up the solar system and beyond to all of us.

Please don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter, and enjoy the photos and videos that we’ve posted on Flickr and YouTube, all under our Social Identity of ISECdotORG.

Thank you,

Sandy Curth
ISEC Publicity Director

President's Corner 

Periodic Leadership Hints for Space Elevator Community

I love the concept of visualizing how to lead and then implementing it. Inside the ISEC, I try to do a few of the below items: empower our players, recognize that "my job is change," live in the unknown; however, I am missing a key step - encourage feedback. So if you have some hints on how ISEC should proceed, please call me or email me with suggestions. Please enjoy the following "Eight Principles of Exponential Leadership." [This month from Peter Diamandis email of 26 Feb 2017]

In her book, Beth Comstock, Vice-Chair, GE, says, "Change is coming. Exponential leaders must prepare for it and embrace it.

Beth concluded, "I think we still need great leaders with vision, the ability to find and coach people, to encourage people, to help them renew themselves, to go forward...

"I'm a firm believer that the future still depends on great leaders who can constantly reinvent themselves."

Beth Comstock's Eight Principles of Exponential Leadership

Beth has an extraordinary mindset as Vice Chairman of GE.

1. Be a Mission-Based, "Emergence Leader": If you're a leader today, your job is change and culture.

2. Organize Around Information Flows: In the digital age, information moves fast. To keep up with information flows, you have to ditch hierarchy. There's no room for bureaucracy. It's about openness, candor, radical feedback and full transparency.

3. Empower Individuals: Build a team of people who are prepared for change and empower them to do great work.

4. Define your company's "MO" - Mindset Orientation: Mindset is everything. As a leader, you must provide the vision and then allow your teams to figure their way out. Create a mindset that incentivizes them to do what they need to do the fastest, best way they can.

5. Establish Feedback Loops: Exponential leaders must both give and receive feedback -- and importantly, they have to actually use it. Beth offers three ideas here:

6. Get Used to Living in the In-Between: Exponential leaders are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.

7. Mash Up Minds and Machines: Exponential leaders use technology to their advantage, combining the power of computing and data with human leadership.

8. Prioritize Innovation and Observe Patterns That Block It: Innovating is really hard. Good leaders understand they have to navigate the tension.

Keep Climbing my Friends --

Pete Swan

ISEC at ISDC

Excitement in St. Louis - 27 May 2017
International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC)
Presents a Space Elevator Track at the NSS's
International Space Development Conference

ISEC has organized and will conduct a space elevator track [4 45-minute presentations] at the National Space Society's yearly conference [May 25-29]. The fun and excitement at this conference reaches far beyond space elevators with its coverage of most activities focused upon movement of humanity off-planet. The four days cover most every topic of interest to include: asteroids, lunar settlements, low cost access to space, next generation space enthusiasts, many roads to space, space settlements, space solar power, Mars exploration and settlement, space law and space medicine. The Space Elevator track will be on Saturday as follows: [any aspects of this preliminary layout could change]

1400-1445       Swan - Space Elevator 101 and growth to Galactic Harbour

1500-1545       Wright - Research and studies

1600-1645       Haase - Space Elevator tether material development

1700-1745       Laine - Lunar Space Elevator

There will be a booth in the exhibit hall and much activity all weekend. Please come and visit the NSS conference and join in the space elevator activities. We are looking for volunteers who would "staff" the booth during the busy hours Just think, St. Louis in late spring in the historic train station.

Space Elevator Research

We have been discussing high altitude experiments and competitions to test tether materials and behavior as well as work with climbers.

One idea is a series of experiments to operate climbers at high altitude. We want to use free-flying balloons to reach up to 30,000 meter altitude (100,000 feet), where the pressure is 1.5% that of the Earth's surface and the temperature is around -45 degrees C. Climbers would traverse a short tether suspended from the bottom of the balloon throughout the flight. The tether would be free flying and not connected to the earth. Diagnostics on the climber and the balloon would telemeter performance data to the ground station. Climbers and other experimental equipment would need to fit within tight mass and power requirements, be integrated for testing by geographically separated groups, and then be integrated to the balloon "gondola" by the balloon flight contractor.

To make the most of these experiments, high school students are probably not the most suitable participants - rather, college or university teams would be preferable.

In Japan, they are driving for high altitude, and it is possible to get to 100,000 feet reliably, although weather is still an issue. It has sometimes been necessary to use a helicopter, which cannot reach nearly so high. The Japanese Space Elevator Association (JSEA) has funds for an experiment up to 5 km altitude to be held in the US. They still have to do some work to make it happen. They are building on US, European and their own experience. In addition, there are some experiments in orbit undertaken by a Japanese university sponsored by JAXA.

John Knapman,
ISEC Director of Research 

BIS "Future Histories and Forecasting" Presentation Highlights

Two of our Research Team members, Dr. John Knapman and Peter Robinson, presented on the "future history" of the space elevator last month. We will be sharing their slides a few at a time over the next few newsletters. The more we work together to share knowledge about the SE the sooner these futures will be reality!  

history

EARTH PORT Update #6

Earthport update 6

At the August 2016 Space Elevator Conference, I presented a discussion paper on "Earth Port Location Considerations" during which I had planned to use, somewhat facetiously, the above images to illustrate the important concept that the operational Space Elevator or Galactic Harbour will add a third (intermodal) dimension to the established global logistics supply chain. I chose not to use them at the time, but in this monthly update it seems appropriate to ask the question: "How does the guy on the left get his product to the guy on the right?" or as I choose to name it: the Juan Valdez™ to Matt Damon linkage.

We assume that when the Space Elevator is at FOC, supplies to the Mars base, such as fine Columbian coffee, will pass through and use various elements of "our" system in a safe, reliable and routine manner. Using the coffee beans to Mars example, one can envision the complexity of the transportation chain including financial transactions, physical and document exchanges, customs payments, packaging and repackaging of the payload, etc. To assure safety (security) of the product at any point and the reliability (predictability) of delivery, there has to be a routine process in place that is integrated with the procedures of the Space Elevator system. In the transportation industry, there is a large body of technical knowledge that is commonly called supply chain management.

In my perusal of shipping industry daily reports that might be applicable to the Earth Port, the biggest news this month is an announcement by the world's largest (by-far) shipping line, Maersk, that it is working with IBM to use blockchain technology to keep track of shipments from source to destination. Not just the containers themselves, but their contents. (In my example, the sack of coffee beans from the back of the burro to its arrival on Mars and final transport to a coffee break station at the Mars base.)

One might ask: "What in the world is blockchain? A cursory answer to that question is the real purpose of this report. The blockchain concept originated not that long ago associated with the notorious cryptocurrency: bitcoin. However, its applicability goes far beyond that controversial use. The blockchain is a digital ledger where each line is recorded based on the previous one using cryptographic techniques that make it almost impossible to modify at a later date. This technology's application to supply chain management promises much higher security and potentially very high cost savings in the movement of cargo around the world...and, ultimately into space.

IBM and Maersk intend to work with a network of shippers, freight forwarders, ocean carriers, ports and customs authorities to build a new global trade digitization solution which is expected to go into production later this year. Blockchain, an immutable, security rich and transparent shared network, provides each participant end-to-end visibility based on their level of permission. Each participant can view the progress of goods through the supply chain, understanding where their "payload" is in transit and well as the status of customs documents, bills of lading and other data.

Getting technical, way beyond my field of expertise, I quote: "The solution developed by Maersk and IBM is based on the open source Linux Foundation's open source Hyperledger Fabric. IBM hosts the solution on the IBM Cloud and the IBM high-security business network, delivered via IBM Bluemix."

Another significant tool in tracking all aspects of moving cargo from place to place, and ultimately into space, is the Internet of Things (IoT) that relies on remote sensing technology and digital interconnectivity on a global scale. Quoting a recent article by Dr. Luca Abatello, CEO, Circle from Genoa, Italy: "Technologically wise, the Internet of Things paradigm, applied to the transport and logistics sector allows freight to sensed and controlled remotely, with logistics operators able to automate and digitalise (sic) their operations. These enabling technologies disclose enormous opportunities in defining new processes, improving efficiency and gaining a competitive advantage by creating a seamless fully integrated supply chain, where the single node or the single operator is seen as part of the entire corridor."

So how does all this relate to the Earth Port and the Space Elevator's operations and communications systems? Clearly, ISEC should acknowledge the opportunities and challenges posed by the utilization of these technologies. I believe that we should definitely consider development of appropriate facilities and programs for payload tracking and control utilizing blockchain and IoT at the HQ/POC and Earth Port's Operations Control Center.

One final note about Juan Valdez and his faithful burro: the Manila-based port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and global port operator group PSA International have formally opened Puerto Aguadulce, a USD 550 million multi-user container and bulk terminal in the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia. This new facility, at 3° 53' N and 77° 04' W, lies about 1,400 nautical miles away from the "preferred" Earth Port location west of the Galapagos Islands. Could this be our Earth Port Access City?                                                                

Vern Hall,
Earth Port Harbor Master

Architecture Note #6

Personal Prologue 

This is an Architecture Note. It is the opinion of ISEC's Chief Architect. It represents an effort to document ISEC's ongoing science and engineering discussions, and is one of many to be published over time. Most importantly, it is a sincere effort to be the diary, or the chronicle, of the multitude of our technical considerations as we progress; along the pathway developing the Space Elevator.

Michael A. Fitzgerald

From NOW, to THEN, and BEYOND.

We envision moving from NOW - holding a vision of the Space Elevator; to THEN - a marvelously engineered space transportation system; and BEYOND - to a gloriously robust enterprise in a Galactic Harbour

Introduction

This Architecture note is the second of three notes discussing "Sequences"; the heart of our Technology Maturation and Engineering Validation process. This process is the source of our technical and intellectual fuel. Many of the early steps will be repeated until we "get it" and repeated until we "get it right"; the essential definition of our perseverance

Let's talk about the 3rd, 4th, and 5th steps in the Sequences.

Sequences #3 - Single String Testing

As the development of the Space Elevator begins reaching early stages of design & development, investigative tests, simulations, and demonstrations are needed to ascertain whether the system is "coming together" as envisioned. We call these single string tests. Single string tests are conducted to a selected set of functions of the Space Elevator which are aligned and operating; strung together if you will.

In early forms, single string testing could "simply" be an end-to-end simulation of a portion of an SE segment. Later, all the functions of entire segment could be examined. In some cases, important functions across the entire system could be tested; think here of a software test or a communications test The essential purpose is determining whether the several functions operate cooperatively and effectively. Single strings tests across interfaces are essential for design integration.

Single string testing is largely investigative; aiding the engineering progress and evaluating the design maturation. Single string tests could examine the work flow within the Earth Port or the GEO Node. Single string testing of safety functions across several segments seems likely. ISEC envisions a recurring set of single string tests of the transactional communications between the Architecture's robotic operations.

As things mature, engineering models will be inserted into the simulation of the single string to evaluate design details. Later, hardware in the loop (HWIL) tests are conducted, and "launch" versions of hardware are functionally validated before being sent to aloft. Think here of thermal testing and stress testing.

The primary purpose of single string testing is to get evidence that collaborative functions collaborate! In that sense, design changes will not be allowed after accommodating the results of single string testing; the design configuration is set. Single string testing is also an important part of maintenance and logistics. After IOC and through to FOC, repair and replacement of components will be robotically executed with "line replaceable units" (LRU's). Single string testing will certify the efficacy of LRU's.

Space Elevator performance improvements will be attained via modular units. All modules will be installed after single string tests. The performance validity of each module will be single string tested. Compatibility will be verified by single string tests The Single String tests will never be construed to be an operational test; but, it is clearly a necessary step.

The Sequences approach, especially single string testing, is the basis of a constant & recurring attitude of "show me" è a taxonomy of tests, demonstrations, simulations, inspection, analysis, and experiments that reward success with admission to the next set of tests, demonstrations, simulations and experiments; iterative risk removal. Our single string testing phase initiates a constant awareness of the technical veracity of the Space Elevator development. Sequence #3 and follow on Sequences represent a confidence building process for our march into the unknown.

Sequences #4 - Operational Testing

Operational testing is that set of test events intended to validate that a system or segment performs as designed in an operational context.  

The operational tests are an amalgam of development specifications, environment specifications, the system engineering approach, and an overall test program, and other such documents. These documents do not exist now but are going to be produced in the coming few years.

The operational testing of the Tether Segment will require a ribbon deployed at full length. The operational testing of the Climber Segment will require a Tether Segment and a wide-reaching set of on-orbit observational and test data collection systems. It must be noted that some operational tests will be conducted 100,000 kilometers above the earth. We will need to see and record what is going on; for proper post-test analysis. Many of the operational testing topics was discussed in the Architectures & Roadmap Report.

Sequences #5 - Limited Operational Capability

LOC is like the baseball concept of spring training. All aspects of the Architecture are included & the hardware has been operationally deployed.

This phase is good for assessing whether the operator personnel are knowledgeable and trained, that payload customers are aware & understand how this Space Elevator works for them, and operational instruction documents (nee checklists) are finalized and vetted with "real" operations and operators. It is quite likely that Sequence #5 could have a Pre-IOC sub-phase; as Dr. Skip Penny has suggested. Pre-IOC activities would include clients and their product payloads; an important step as we seek common technical veracity and risk removal.

This limited operational capability will be concurrent with the tether buildup activities - adding tether mass from tether buildup climbers.

Repetition is not a bad thing - Repetition is not a bad thing

The early Space Elevator component and segment designs will likely go through Sequence #3 and #4 a few times; first focusing on capturing the technical performance and how it varies in detail; later measuring the performance as designs improve; and finally testing components and segments with other component and segments.

In closing

I started Note #6, last month, stating that no one has ever built a Space Elevator before; and that is our lot in life. We will overcome with persistence. We will find the technologies and evaluate them in Sequences 1 & 2. In Sequence 3, 4, and 5 we will raise our technology foundation to a solid engineering foundation and prepare for operations. Next month I will discuss the last three steps in our "Sequences"; achieving Initial Operational Capability and expanding it to full operation.

Michael A. Fitzgerald 

Why?

Keeping the Quest Alive                                                                                     

When I play golf, and I often do, the quest is always there - for a near perfect game. The swing works, the balls bounce correctly, the weather cooperates, the putts go in, and the round is fun. Each day there are challenges that must be overcome and hurdles that seem insurmountable. However, the perseverance and desire push me to continue playing golf - for that near perfect game will occur eventually.  

It seems to me that the quest to prepare for a space elevator program has many similarities. We all know that the material is projected to be ready by the mid 20's. We believe in our hearts that a successful space elevator development will change humanity by providing access to space in a routinely and inexpensively. With these two beliefs, we continue to strive to understand and improve our body of knowledge for the space elevator challenge. As such, there needs to be a focal point for this diverse set of efforts. We have a three-pronged approach, in Japan with the Japanese Space Elevator Association, the IAA study, and Obayashi Corporation's efforts. The ISEC studies each year, coupled with the conference focused upon the latest in space elevators, are our future.. In addition, there are efforts spread out around the world that are looking at the potential of space elevators.

Therefore, the reason to have an International Space Elevator Consortium is to ensure that these diverse efforts periodically come together and share knowledge. ISEC is the focal point of the preparation for a future space elevator project. Each activity around the world has its own approach to space elevators - two vs. one cable, maximum strength tethers, minimum strength tethers, small climbers, large climbers, land based vs. ocean centered, laser power or solar powered, and near term vs. long term operational start.

Systems architects have their own concept of the future. This is all good. At this stage in the creation of a new space transportation mode, innovation and creativity are king. The beauty of ISEC is that it is open to new ideas and hopes to support, encourage and endorse project designs as they mature. The reality is that in the end, the space elevator will leverage many parts of several designs for a wining architecture. ISEC hopes to be the spark plug that ignites the final conceptual acceptance and project initiation. ISEC is necessary to ensure that the community of space elevator enthusiasts is ready for the development once the material matures.

Pete Swan

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