SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FOR THE SPACE ELEVATOR - COMPLEXITY

摘要

Early goals of the systems engineers of a mega-project, such as a space elevator, are to identify the areas of complexity and establish a methodology to lower the risk and address each issue. This paper presents an approach for systems engineering risk identification and associated definition of high-level complexity matrices for the space elevator. This includes areas of required basic and applied research and technology. Some of the areas of investigation through trade studies are: 1. Spacecraft size, propulsion, power, launch, assembly, and deployment 2. Ribbon material, design, coatings, size and alternatives 3. Climber velocity, drive motors, and power 4. Politics, such as an international project or involvement with the military 5. Environmental issues 6. Tracking issues, such as sensors and communications 7. Anchor items, such as power 8. Power issues, such as laser, beamed RF, conducted RF and locations