Space elevator -- feasibility and implications

Lettenberger, Neil Dustin; Berg, Rachel Antonette; Clark, Matthew John

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Space elevator -- feasibility and implications

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A space elevator is a tower extending from Earth's surface to a height above geostationary orbit. This project examines the feasibility of constructing a space elevator using carbon nanotubes and the impacts that such an elevator might have. Attention is also paid to the applications of carbon nanotubes beyond the space elevator. We conclude that with further development and refinement of the carbon nanotube manufacturing process, the space elevator will be feasible with great impacts to social and scientific communities.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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