The first NASA-sponsored tether strength and tether climbing competitions will be held in October 2005. Eight teams have registered to supply climbers weighing 50 kg to ascend a 50 meter ribbon under beamed power. The competition is structured around the design concept for a viable space elevator proposed in 2000 and aims at promoting engineering studies and innovative designs relating to the concept. The climber competition is being organized by Spaceward Foundation and supported by private entities with NASA Centennial Challenge Program providing the prize money ($50,000 for first prize, $20,000 second prize, and $10,000 for third). In this paper we will present the results of the competition and details of the climbers that successfully completed the ascent.
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