Space Elevator (Dual Purpose proposals)

[EdisonTrent]

Currently there are teams exploring how to design several parts of the proposed space elevator; meaning the "Thread", the Elevator "Engine" itself etc...etc... . Why not think too to use this device for dual purposes. And I mean to bring in from space solar energy throughout the whole elevator itself. Build somekind of "collector" in the elevator or also collect energy on satellites and stations and bring in the energy from above.

 

[neilsox]

To do that we need an inexpensive liquid nitrogen temperature super conductor, that is space rated and much stronger than kevlar. Using copper or aluminum conductors in the tether, means about 99% of the energy is lost in the long tether. High voltage is difficult in the upper atmosphere as it ionizes at low voltage = corona discharge. Neil