A

SEMINAR REPORT ON

“STUDY OF Space Elevators: Operational Concepts ”.

SUBMITTED TO THE

SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY , PUNE

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD

OF THE DEGREE

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (Mechanical Engineering)

BY

Mr. SHINDE SHUBHAM BALAKRISHAN

Under the guidance of

Prof. R.S. SHINDE

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PRAVARA RURAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Tal - Rahata, Ahmednagar 413736

(2018-2019)
 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PRAVARA RURAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Tal - Rahata, Ahmednagar 413736

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Seminar report entitled

“STUDY OF Space Elevators: Operational Concepts”

Submitted By

Mr. SHINDE SHUBHAM BALAKRISHAN

Is a bonafide work carried out by him under the supervision of Prof. R.S. SHINDE and it is submitted towards
the partial fulfilment of the requirement of Savitribai Phule Pune University, for the award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING(Mechanical Engineering).

Prof R.S. SHINDE Prof. R.R. Kharde

Guide Head of the Department

External Examiner
 I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A successful work of report is the result of inspiration, support, guidance, motivation and
cooperation of facilities during study. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge my deep sense of
gratitude to present my Project report titled: “STUDY OF SPACE ELEVATORS:
OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS”.

I place a deep sense of appreciation to my project guide Prof. R. S. SHINDE giving me all
possible help and suggestions to give my Project a perfect shape.

I am thankful to Head of Department Prof. R. R. Kharde for giving us an opportunity to

complete the Project report successfully. Also I am thankful to Principal of Pravara Rural College
of Engineering, Dr. S. M. Gulhane for their kind co-operation in completion of this Project Report.

Last but not least I have to express my feelings towards all staff members of Pravara Rural
Engineering College and special thanks to my colleague and friends for their moral support and
help.

Mr. Shinde Shubham B.

TE Mechanical
 II. ABSTRACT

Space elevators (SE) are conceptualized as a reliable, repeatable, and accessible method of getting equipment and
people to space. The capital investment required for such a system is relatively large, but when compared with
the cost of other mega projects it shows that projects of this scope are indeed feasible. The creation of an SE
would also bring about a high return on investment with its reduced cost to orbit, unique payload capability, and
repeatability. Companies such as the Obayashi Corporation currently plan to construct a SE system built by the
mid to late 2050’s.

Conceptual models and competitions have focused on SE technology and engineering, but an area of study that
lacks definition is the operations, which such a facility requires. This paper introduces the operations that such a
facility will be required to sustain; including the ability to receive, load, mobilize, and remove payloads as well
as how to deal with different classes of emergencies; specifically looking at the Obayashi Corporation concept as
the level of detail provided by the company makes it an ideal candidate to extrapolate these operations.

To propose operations of an SE it is critical to analyze other industries with similar operational outcomes. This
allows the proposed operations to maintain feasibility as these users have already demonstrated them. Some of
these include the transportation logistics, elevator, and space launch industries. This includes the ownership and
management of operations where one entity constructs the system and another operates it.

This paper focuses on the operations of the Obayashi Corporation SE concept but these hold true, as generic ops
for most SE variations of this structure will require the ability to receive, load, mobilize, and remove payloads
from a tether or climber. The SE is a very promising business venture whose scope is within the realm of other
mega projects. As the technology to create and support a SE is refined, iterations of the operational analysis will
be essential to keep engineering design in concert with operational needs.
Table of Contents

Acronyms and Definitions .............................................................................................................................................9

I. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................9

1.1. Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................9

1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................9

1.3 Concept Development Approach .................................................................................................................... 10

1.4 Trade Study .................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.4.1 Benefits ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.4.2 Risks ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

1.5 Description ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

1.5.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.5.2 Structure ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

II. Operations Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 15

2.1 Operations Procedures .................................................................................................................................... 15

2.1.1 OP.1.0 Preliminary Lift Activities ............................................................................................................. 16

2.1.2. OP.2.0. Payload to Destination .................................................................................................................. 17

2.1.3 OP.3.0. Intercept and Return ...................................................................................................................... 19

2.2 Generic Mission Operations ........................................................................................................................... 20

2.2.1 Load Preparation ........................................................................................................................................ 20

2.2.2 Load Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 22

2.2.3 Mobilize Operations .............................................................................................................................. 23

2.2.4 Stop Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 23

2.2.5 Deploy Operations ................................................................................................................................. 23

2.2.6 Launch Operation .................................................................................................................................. 24

2.2.7 Intercept Operation ................................................................................................................................ 24

2.2.8 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................... 24

2.2.9 Emergency Operations ........................................................................................................................... 26

III. Conclusion/ what’s next .................................................................................................................................29

IV. Appendix A: System Description ................................................................................................................... 30

4.1 System Description ......................................................................................................................................... 30

4.1.1 Location ................................................................................................................................................. 31

4.1.2 Structure................................................................................................................................................. 32

4.1.3 Climber .................................................................................................................................................. 33

4.1.4 Operational Features .............................................................................................................................. 34

V. Appendix B: Detailed Steps & Sequence Diagrams ........................................................................................... 39

5.1 OP.1.0. Receiving payload from customer ..................................................................................................... 39

5.2 OP.2.0. Payload to Destination ....................................................................................................................... 41

5.3 OP.3.0. Intercept and Return .......................................................................................................................... 43

5.4 Emergency: Incoming Space Debris .............................................................................................................. 44

References ................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Acronyms and Definitions

Acronym Name Description

DOD Department of Defense N/A
ESA European Space Agency N/A
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival N/A
ETR Estimated Time of Return N/A
GEO Geostationary Earth Orbit A circular orbit 35,786 kilometers above the Equator with the same rotation
period as earth.
LEO Low Earth Orbit N/A
N/A Module A container that is used to transport materials, payloads, or living things up the
space elevator, these are attached to the climber mechanism
OP Operational Procedure N/A
SE Space Elevator N/A
SSPS Space Solar Power System N/A
UUID Universally Unique N/A
Identifier

III. Introduction
1.1Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the functional operations with which a SE could
operate based on currently proposed design styles. This will be from the point of view of the
operational company that will run and maintain a SE system. This will help designers look further
ahead into all of the fledgling needs of the system that will lead to the SE as an effective
transportation platform between Earth and space.

1.2Scope
This paper will assume a complete SE system of a specific theoretical design. The
description of this engineering design is necessary to extract the operational processes of the
system but only as a theoretical backbone to the points described in this paper. This paper will not
go into technical detail of how the SE construction will take place or claim any engineering
findings regarding the concept.
 1.3Concept Development Approach
In order to extract the operations believed necessary for a SE to be successful, examination
of related industries with similar requirements was required. These consist of the transportation
industry, specifically that of high-speed rails and elevators, the shipping industry, and the satellite
industry. Incorporating the ideology from these well-defined systems and combining it with trusted
systems engineering methods allows a solid analysis of the working operations of a SE.

1.4Trade Study
1.4.1 Benefits
The SE system has several benefits that sets it apart from other methods of transportation
from earth to space. First, once the SE is complete it will lower the launch cost to space to below
$1000/kg for the first system and estimates as low as $10/kg once there are several systems
available with the ability to lift over 5000kg. Current launch systems vary greatly with mission
and launch provider but conventional wisdom has launch costs from $10,000/kg for LEO to
$80,000 to get to GEO. SpaceX is working to greatly lower the cost of getting to space and its
Falcon 9 rocket can lift 4200kg with an estimated launch cost as low as $2850/kg. In addition, they
are aggressively pursuing the ability to reuse their first stage rockets. This will cut the launch cost
even more but this is still very much an emerging technology. As these transportation methods
become cheaper this encourages entry into space related industry’s especially benefiting smaller
companies which would not have had the opportunity before. Estimates of the price to construct
the first elevator have been around $6.2 Billion dollars. This number is within range of other mega
projects in the world like civil projects such as bridges or tunnels, maglev rail systems, and large
skyscrapers. When compared to the cost of the shuttle Endeavor ($2.1bil), the cost to construct a
single SE system that will be applicable to a much larger number of missions becomes very
economical.

In addition to being a modest financial investment, the SE has several other very practical
advantages. First, the climber would experience dramatically lower acoustic vibration and g-forces
relative to traditional rockets. Because of this, delicate equipment can now be sent using the system
that could not previously be launched by conventional means. In addition, the payload is no longer
required to fit into the nose cone of a rocket. This means that there is greater flexibility in the form
factor of the payload allowing an even greater variety of payloads into space. Lastly, this system
can send payloads into space much more reliably and repeatedly to the point that several launches
per day is feasible without the risk of a booster failure.

1.4.2 Risks
As with any new technology, one must consider when choosing the right technology for a
job. First, large amounts of capital is required to construct the SE system. To acquire this, investors
must make large contributions to the project early on the process and whatever cannot be raised
must be borrowed on credit. With any business venture, there is the risk of the system not living
up to the expectations and not giving the ROV that was expected. If funds dry up before the system
is fully constructed this can be catastrophic because it may be hard to find investors once the
project is underway. One way to mitigate this risk is to make it a joint public/private endeavor and
have multiple parties involved so that risk is diversified among its stakeholders. This will also
ensure that one entity does not have a monopoly on the system, devastating the launch industry,
because it could give one country or one company an unfair advantage that could turn into
economic or militaristic instability.

The system itself has a few physical disadvantages. This is a massive engineering project and
much research into material science and manufacturing methods along with other critical research
areas is required before this huge task is even possible. At this time, technical risk is too high to
commit to building the system; however, a lot of work in these areas has been undertaken, which
will decrease the risk with every technological breakthrough. Finally, the constrained structure is
vulnerable to environmental influences such as space charging, weather and collisions with space
debris even when no payload is being launched.

1.5 Description
Several proposed methods of creating a SE system vary in the details and bring a unique set of
technological challenges and benefits to the discussion. This paper will focus on the SE system
described by Obayashi Corporation because the authors believe it is the most complete concept
of a SE needed for creating an operational description. The authors speak from the point of view
of a theoretical division of the construction company that will be in charge of developing a manual
for operational processes. This will be purchased along with the structure by the operations
company that will be in charge of the running the SE system.
The Obayashi Corporation would move on to creating the next SE system for purchase and so on.
The company’s current schedule, shown in Figure 2, is to complete the first elevator system around
2050. A substancial amount of contengency is included but this is belived to be a reasonable goal

Figure 1 - Obayashi Corporation SE Construction Schedule

[4].

1.5.1 Location
The location of the earth port is limited to within +-20 degrees Latitude of the equator but

Figure 2 - Galapagos Islands Map

its performance improves the closer it is to the equator. It is also beneficial for the earth port’s
location to be near a natural island. This serves to protect the structure from adverse weather
conditions such as storms or large waves. One such location that fits this description is the
Galapagos Islands shown in Figure (3)..

This location also includes another valuable advantage in that it is known to be very calm
when it comes to tropical weather. Figure 4 shows areas on earth that tend to produce tropical
storms; you can see that the Galapagos Islands are not in these regions so this increases its
desirability even more.

“However, the SE, located off the coast of Ecuador, will be tucked out of the way of air and sea
traffic lanes in a region that has been specially chosen for its lack of storms, bad weather and
heavy seas." [1]

The earth port will serves as a shipping + receiving platform that will handle sea faring
deliveries this locations close proximity to the Panama Canal makes sending and receiving

Figure 3 - Global Hurricane Zones

payloads no different from typical seafaring trade activities.

 1.5.2 Structure

Figure 4 – Obayashi Corporation SE Structural Design

The structure used in this operational description is that of the Obayashi method [1]. Their
full system diagram shown in figure 5, displays the various structures and launch gates that are
included within their proposed design. For this operational description, the features referenced are
the Earth port that serves as a receiving platform for payloads and supplies, the GEO station where
most payloads will be destined as several operations will be based from. A close up of the Earth
Port that shows a basic architecture of what features this would include is shown in figure 6 which
shows many similarities to sea based oil drilling platforms used today. Since the focus of this
paper is on operations and not architecture, a more detailed description is discussed in the
appendix. This is similar to most accepted models that are currently in circulation and does not
differentiate much compared to the architecture shown in “The Status of Space Elevator
Infrastructures” [4], which gives a very detailed description of the currently accepted model of a
SE system.
 Figure 5 - Obayashi Corp. Earth Port Design

1.6 Operations Overview

The following section will provide detail on the functional operations needed to run a SE
system. Each high-level use case will describe how an operator will accomplish their mission of
transporting payloads to space. Several of the individual processes are highlighted for detailed
discussion.

2 Operations Procedures
Use cases describe the common scenarios encountered during management of operational
processes. These will introduce how interactions between the SE system, operations engineers,
and customers will occur for a given scenario. Detailed sequence diagrams for each OP are located
in the appendix describing who is in charge of each of the operations. This section follows the
process a payload undergoes as it goes though the various operational procedures.
3 OP.1.0 Preliminary Lift Activities
This section describes the OP’s that occur before the payload reaches the Earth port. This
includes customer interaction and lift readiness testing.

A. OP.1.1. Receive Payload From Customer

The first OP describes the process that occurs when a customer requests to launch a
payload. This procedure includes most of the customer relations that will occur involving the SE
at a high level. Highlighted here is the potential need to create a new module. Details of module
designation are discussed in the load-prep section below.

Figure 6 - Receiving Payload from Customer Activity Diagram

B. OP.1.2 Lift Readiness Check

The second OP starts once the payload-integrated module arrives at the module storage
facility. It will stay here until its launch window arrives and it is sent to the earth port. While the
module is here, it is put through several launch force, thermal, communication, and any other test
needed to ensure mission success. Once these tests are completed, the module will be moved to its
appropriate location, likely the storage bay, although it could go straight to the lift bay if needed.
Figure 7 - Pre-Lift Activity Diagram

4 OP.2.0. Payload to Destination

Once the customer’s payload passes the inspection, the next use case occurs. This step is
likely the most important because it describes the steps need to get the payload to the desired
destination. This includes the loading of the climbers with modules, initiation of lift, and arrival
of payload to the correct destination on the tether or in an orbital trajectory.

A. Load Operation
The first operational procedure required to get a payload to its destination is the loading of
the module onto the climber. This operation initializes according to the mission profile, a document
detailing the mission details, including a lift date, much like the launch dates of the rocket industry.
At this step, the module, typically obtained from storage, undergoes visual inspection for defects
and problems, much like a 10-point inspection on aircrafts. The module is then loaded onto a crane
and moved to the climber, and the module securely attaches to the climber, if this process fails,
several steps in the diagram below to detail this occurrence at a high level. Finally the module is
tagged as “Go for Lift” meaning that it is ready.

Figure 8 - Load Operations Activity Diagram

B. Lift Operation
The second procedure related to getting a payload to its destination, the lift operation is the
main functionality of the SE. The monitoring of the mobilization profile, analogous with a flight
path, occurs at all times, however, for any climber activation, the profile is checked to ensure
conditions are nominal for lift, gate/station movement, or return. The activity diagram below
details the procedures at a high level if this check determines conditions are not nominal for lift.
Once initiated for lift the climber can have two destinations to take the module, either to a certain
destination (a gate or station), or a climber could be assigned to send a module to an orbital
trajectory. The high-level details of each can be examined below.
 Figure 9 – Lift Operation Activity Diagram

5 OP.3.0. Intercept and Return

A capability that the SE system has is unique from any other launch system is its ability to
intercept an object in orbit and safely return it to earth. This use case will discuss the steps needed
when a customer desires to retrieve an object from orbit for repair or collection. This includes the
steps needed to intercept an object, as well as what occurs once it has re-docked with the elevator’s
tether.
 Figure 10 - Intercept and Return Operations Activity Diagram

6 Generic Mission Operations

In this section, several of the specific operations introduced above are discussed in detail.
These include the preparation to load, loading of payloads onto the climber, mobilization,
deployment, and maintenance.

7 Load Preparation
After the customers’ requirements are known, their payload is matched up with a module
that fits its needs and if no such equipment is available, an operation can be initiated to design a
module to fit the need of the specific payload. This operation encapsulates the entire process that
occurs prior to the loading operation that occurs at the earth port, this includes storage and lift
readiness testing. .

A. The Module
This system will be responsible for lifting a variety of different payloads to orbit of many
different size and shape. As of now, they are limited to 100-ton capacity and potentially a specific
form factor described by the dynamics of the lift system. These are organized by their desired
destination and type of payload. These will be loaded onto the climber train if payload allows so
that multiple payload could be lifted simultaneously. There are two main types of modules; ones
destined for a location along the tether and ones destined for launch from the tether into a specific
trajectory. Based on the specific mission it is unlikely that modules, which disconnect from the
climber, especially after a launch or deploy operation, return to the Earth Port. Designed properly
the hope would be to re-use these in orbit or recycle them in an orbiting facility.

1. Station docking Payloads

These payloads will come to a complete stop at a destination along the elevator tether. They
are constructed for easy access or integration

Cargo – Full-enclosure modules with a range of volume, weight, and environmental control limits.
These modules can contain anything from foods resupply for space-based operators to equipment
needed to maintain the station.

Lab/Structure – These modules are pre-built lab/structural environments that can be customized
to serve various tasks. These will be taken in their entirety from the tether as added to a station
structure. This includes additions to the SPSS.

Personnel – these environmentally controlled modules hold much a-kin to the standard elevator
car; their main purpose is to transport people or other living things to labs, manned craft, or the
GEO Station.

2. Launch payloads
These payloads are destined for a trajectory into orbit around earth or given escape velocity
for interplanetary travel. This operation will be different from the normal lifting routine on the
space elevator because these modules will need to be able to detach from the climber and will
include a secondary propulsion system to obtain its desired orbit and maintain its attitude.

3. Intercept Module
The intercept module is very similar to a module used to launch a payload into an orbit
because it will have its own propulsion system to control its orbit once it is launched from the
cable. It will then propel itself to rendezvous with the object. This module does not start out with
a payload, instead it has an empty storage bay and a manipulator to grab the desired object and
place it inside of the bay. Once inside, the module will need to be able to adapt to its new mass
 properties by either adjusting a counterweight or using its attitude control system. It then must
return to the elevator and reattach to an empty climber to be sent back down.

4. Module Storage
Storage is an important aspect of an efficiently run SE system. Modules can be stored for
use in another mission with similar requirements and modules that are awaiting testing or a launch
window. Once its mission is complete, after the module is detached from the climber it goes back
to the storage facility. Instead of scraping this equipment, it will be placed in a storage area to be
used by another customer with similar requirements. This so that a completely new module does
not have to be created saving money and time for potential customers. From here an existing
module or a newly created one is shipped to the customer where they will load their payload (with
an engineering consulting team if necessary) and send it back to this facility to hold until the next
step will be taken

5. Lift Readiness Testing

This operation occurs for every loaded module before it can be sent to the elevator. This ensures
that the payload has been packaged correctly, can handle the vibrations and launch forces of the
SE, and ensure that all communications with the payload work properly. This happens through the
storage facility, which while have all the equipment and personnel to handle the needs of this.
Once the requirements are met, it is held in the storage facility until the launch window occurs
then the module is sent to the Earth port where it is placed in a holding facility with any other
payloads in preparation of the load operations

8 Load Operations
The load operation is typically the first of the standard operations types every cargo system
demonstrates. Much as the operations of shipping container terminal, modules will first be
discharged from their respective transport vehicle, these will be unloaded via cranes into a “ready
to load” yard. After this, the modules will be loaded onto the climber of the SE. This requires the
use of one to two cranes depending upon construction and location of the loading yard. The linking,
or unlinking, of climbers also occurs during this operations allowing multiple climbers to travel as
one. This operation will be done collaboratively with ground crews and elevator operators, as the
elevator will need to be monitored during the linking allowing payloads to be traced to their end
location.
9 Mobilize Operations
The mobilize operation consists of many activities that are necessary to facilitate the lift
and return of a climber and associate modules or payloads. Operators will first need to set the
destination of the climber and then confirm that the climber of interest has no other climbers further
up or down the elevator that could inflict its path, next they need to make sure that the tethers are
clear of debris that could interfere with modules travel. This will require interaction of the SE
operations engineers to get data from the ESA and US DoD space surveillance networks, and
CACI’s Skytracker. Finally the operators engage the electromagnetic drivers to propel the train
climber upward, and eventually to its end location. This operation will be the responsibility of
operators who are located in the Earth Port.

10 Stop Operation
The stop operation is a basic function of the elevator that stops the climber from its mobilization
Operation. The elevator will be traveling at a very rapid pace so this stop will not be instantaneous.
Depending on where the climber is along the tether varying factors will need to include such as
drag from the atmosphere and what the gravitational influence is at its desired altitude. This
operation applies to several other operations as a basic feature. This is mostly autonomous and will
be controlled by the same operator that is overseeing the mobilization operation. This will be
preprogrammed to know where the climber is and include the relevant variables needed to stop at
the desired location.

11 Deploy Operations
Two separate operations pertain to removing a payload from the tether. These are Station docking
and launch

A. Station Docking Operation

This operation results in the payload reaching its destination of a certain station such as the main
GEO station or gravity stations. This begins with the stop operation to slow the climber and stop
it at the correct location to unload which will differ depending on id the payload is carrying
equipment, people or a module that will be used for additional construction of the station.

B. Module Deploy
Once at the desired location the entire module is released, however this operation is meant to be a
build/infrastructural operation, as the gates, centers, and stations need to be build out this operation
 allows modules to be release from the climber in a controlled and safe way. After deployment
there several methods that the module can be integrated into the infrastructure. If it is close enough
to link magnetically to another stable structure, whether horizontally or vertically, it can be linked
this way, elsewise robotic manipulators will assist the operation and move/orientate the deployed
module to its final location.

C. Cargo Unload Operation

When a module carrying passengers or equipment reaches the correct location it will dock with a
stable structure. An airlock hatch will connect to the module to access its contents safely. This will
allow passengers to exit and enter the space station lobby or supplies to be taken out and placed
into the correct storage areas of the station

12 Launch Operation
The launch operation describes the situation that from the elevator there is a need to eject
into a specified orbit or interplanetary trajectories. This differs from the station docking operation
because the climber does not stop before the payload separates. Based on destination the correct
kinetic energy is calculated which corresponds to a certain climb rate and altitude (can stop before
separation if needed). These operations require collaboration between the Earth Port, GEO Station,
and external customer whose payload is being launched.

13 Intercept Operation
The Intercept Operation is the sequence of events needed to rendezvous with a satellite object that
we want to send back to earth in a safe controlled manner. This includes an intercept module is a
discrete system that has its own space propulsion method (such as an ion engine); A docking station
that includes a manipulator to capture the intercept module, and an operational crew that
commands the process (should be decently autonomous. This operation is necessary because a
customer may desire to capture a variety of objects such as a broken satellite for repair or near-
Earth asteroid. This operational use case mentioned above has many varieties based upon the
object of interest.

14 Maintenance
Several operations need to occur outside the regular sequence of launch operations. These include
maintenance/repair, Collison avoidance, and emergency operations.
 A. Repair Operation
The Repair Operation includes all repairs of the elevator and infrastructure that supports it.
These operations are primarily focused on the tether, stations, and power system. This will includes
two main steps.

 Detection of a problem or equipment in need of repair

 operation to fix the issue

inspections for issues will be done at a at scheduled intervals time, as well as, ad-hoc when systems
notice a need for repair due to either emergencies, or unaccounted strain to the system. The
detection of issues could be done mostly as internal sensors or human controlled Inspector drones.
Once an issue has been detected, a repair operation fix the issue will be initiated. This differs
depending on the system in need of repair and the extent of the problem

B. Power management
Maintaining power of this system is extremely important because a loss of power could result in a
stalled climber or loss of life support systems. The SPSS requires operators to maintain the correct
orbit, avoid debris, and ensure that it is always in a well-maintained condition. These operators
will also identify the need to expand the current system to fit the needs of increased lift frequency
or a growing station population. Batteries will also be essential to store power if the system loses
sunlight. A margin of 3 to 4 times the needed power would be recommended for safe continuous
operation.

C. Collison Avoidance Operation

This operation highlights the occurrence when the Earth Port may need to move in order
to avoid a collision with in orbit, or inner-atmosphere, objects. Operators track standard objects,
such as planes, UAVs, satellites, every day, on the occasion that the elevator needs to “move” a
complex operation starts, and therefore needs to be known about as early as possible. The
climber(s) would need to be stopped at any port, gate, or station. The anchors need to be raised
from the Earth Port and the Port moved to a pre-planned location for X time, then moved back
after the object has cleared the initial ladder air/space “lane,” doing this action requires pre-
planning, model creation, and foresight.
15 Emergency Operations
Emergency operations are enacted when emergencies occur along the elevators path, many
of these operations are conceptual and would require further analysis than what this paper intends
to provide. These operations remind us that there is a need to plan for the worst-case scenarios
when implementing new technologies in extremely complex environments.

a. Prioritization
There should exist several levels of emergency depending upon severity. These
differ based on the urgency of the situation and how many resources must be allocated to
address the problem
1. Lvl 0 – Threat to Human Life
a. Space Elevator Emergency Personnel, Operations Staff (I.e.
hired/on-staff EMTs)
2. Lvl 1 – Threat to Infrastructure/Stability
a. Space Elevator Emergency Personnel, Operations and Facilities
Staff (Lead by Emergency Personnel P.O.s)
3. Lvl 2 – Threat to Immediate Operation(s)
a. Operations Staff (Facilitated by Lead Ops Engineer)

b. Examples
With a system as complex and technologically aggressive system as the SE there are a plethora of
different emergency scenarios that could occur. In its current conceptual state it is difficult predict
what potential scenarios could occur end what risks should be mitigated. The following are just a
few of the potential “emergencies” that could occur for the SE system and what priority they would
be given.

1. Loss of Power to the Structure

1. Depending on the extent of power failure and what systems this affect this
could be a lvl 0 if it affects life support systems on the structures but would
likely be a lvl 2 since there would be emergency power storage on the
various stations and would only prevent lift or debris avoidance maneuvers.
2. Lift Path Interference

1. This would be an lvl 2 scenario because regular lift operations would be the
only affected part and would just be put on pause till the interference leaves
the area or is delt with by the operations staff.

3. Tether/Station Impact

1. Loss of structural stability

1. This would be likely be a lvl 0 scenario since it is likely humans

would be on the structure. Depending on its severity, this could be a
very urgent and expensive issue that could compromise the entire
system and put several lives at risk if immediate action is not taken.
Redundant systems should be in place so that this is not catastrophic.

2. Damaged structures/climbers/tether

1. This would be lvl 1 unless it affects life support systems or a

pressurized crew structure or module. After the severity of the
situation is assessed, this will lead into the appropriate maintenance
operation occurring.

4. Station/Passenger Medical Emergency

1. This would be prioritized lvl 0 and depending on where it occurs and how
severe the medical issue is will change what following operations occur.
There will be on site medical professionals trained for most urgent scenarios
so the goal would be to get the injured person to them as fast as possible.
This becomes tricky if this person is being lifted on the climber or is on one
of the stations. There would be an operational process in place that
prioritizes designating the fastest way they can be transported back to earth.

5. Fire

1. This again depends on which systems are affected and where which would
determine its level of urgency. Fire is a very destructive force that if
 unchecked can accelerate from a small problem to a life-threatening
catastrophe. NASA just constructed an experiment to see how a fire on a
space structure could progress and provides insight on how this his is a
situation could occur and what methods of prevention and emergency
response should be taken.

2. http://www.nasa.gov/feature/fire-in-the-hole-studying-how-flames-grow-
in-space

6. Sabotage

1. This is vague but is a time where nature’s intentions are not the only
negative forces that we should consider this is becoming an important
consideration. Sabotage could be an act of terrorism or an employee that
has bad intentions. Security processes are the main way this emergency
could be mitigated.

Emergency operations are just that; operations that are enacted when emergencies occur along the
elevators path, many of these operations are conceptual and would require further analysis than
what this paper intends to provide. These operations remind us that there is a need to plan for the
worst-case scenarios when implementing new technologies in extremely complex environments.
This includes any event that poses an immediate threat to either the SE structure or
personnel/Tourist on the system.
 16 Conclusion/ what’s next
Space elevators remain at a technological readiness level not yet reached, the aim of this paper was to
introduce the high-level operations needed to enable the day-to-day functions of a SE specifically that of the Obayashi
Architecture. The operations introduced to the reader are not an exhaustive list for all SE functions, especially since
the low-level details require much more understanding of the structural and mechanical systems of the SE.

Through this thought experiment we have determined that the SE will provide greater benefits to the space
industry over other payload delivery methods, mainly resulting in a decreased cost to orbit for payloads, which will
enable faster growth into the industry. It is also crucial that the SE is established in a location that is near the equator
and shipping lanes; making the Galapagos Island ideal for this structure. The development of the SE would be
constructed as a joint public-private endeavor providing decreased investment risk and enhancing development speeds
of the needed infrastructure.

Finally, we detailed the operational scenarios of the SE based upon operations of other well-defined
industries such as those of the current satellite, oil, and logistics industries. These operational scenarios, highlighted
by activity diagrams, defined what payload logistics looks like and the many customer to operational staff interactions
that must occur to enable a successful mission. Emergency procedure are highlighted at a high level to provide some
examples of the potential risks that exist in the operations of a SE.

We can conclude the next steps to validate these operations for SEs include the creation of operational
simulations, module re-usability studies, module design concepts and prototypes, and operations analysis to derive
structural and dynamically requirements of the elevator itself. SEs will inevitably rewrite how we perform space
exploration and interactions, yielding an outburst of breakthroughs that are yet unachievable with our present means
of space exploration.
 17 Appendix A: System Description
18 System Description
Researchers have proposed several methods to create a SE system. Each of these has its own pros and cons with
different technologies needed to construct the system. For this paper, we will focus on the method described by
Obayashi Corporation [3] because the authors believe this is the most complete end-to-end system concept. This is
needed for creating an operational description. The authors speak from the point of view of a theoretical division of
the construction company that will be in charge of developing a manual for operational processes. This will be
purchased along with the structure by the operations company that will be in charge of the running the SE system.
The Obayashi Corporation would move on to creating the next SE system for purchase and so on. The company’s
current schedule, shown in Figure 10, is to complete the first elevator system around 2050. A substancial amount of

Figure 12 - Space Elevator Concept

 contengency is included but this is belived to be a reasonable goal [4]. The following description includes basic details
of several aspects of the current design including the elevator structure, and operational features.

19 Location

Figure 11 - Obayashi Construction Schedule

Figure 13 - Galapagos Islands Map

This structure performance improves as the earth port gets closer to the equator but can be placed anywhere
within +-20 degrees Latitude of the equator for the dynamics to work. It is beneficial for the earth port’s location to
be near a natural island. This serves as a natural barrier to protect the system from storms or large waves. Looking at
Figure 12 the Galapagos Island fits this description very well.
 Another benefit of this location is the fact that it is known to be very calm when it comes to tropical weather.
Looking at Figure 4, you can see that it is out of the path of where storms usually form so this increases its desirability
even more.

“However, the SE, located off the coast of Ecuador, will be tucked out of the way of air and sea traffic lanes in a
region that has been specially chosen for its lack of storms, bad weather and heavy seas."

The earth port will serve as a shipping + receiving dock that floats much like an oil rig so this locations close
proximity to the Panama Canal makes sending and receiving payloads no different from typical seafaring trade

Figure 14 - Global Hurricane Zones

activities.

20 Structure
The elevator is a 96,000 km cable whose mass, and every other structure along its length, the centrifugal
force of a 12,500-ton counterweight offsets this structural weight. These features pose some of the most difficult
engineering challenges during construction but once in place will require little to no maintenance. The avoidance of
obstacles and repair of the SE system is highlighted in the operations section below.
21 Climber
The mechanism described in the Obayashi method that will climb this structure shown in Figure 14. The
source does not give a good description but other sources describe a mechanical climber that uses friction to pull it

Figure 15 - Obayashi Climber Concept

up the cable, such as Laser Motive’s 2009 SE Games winning design, or maglev that uses electromagnetic forces
between the cable and the climber to propel it up the tether.
22 Operational Features
D. GEO Station
The GEO station is a structure located on the tether in orbit approximately 36 Km from the surface of Earth.
This location is where the force of the counterweight and the weight of the cable (and stations) will balance. The GEO
Station as demonstrated by the below image will be capable of supporting a full staff and visitors from researchers to

Figure 16 - GEO Station Concept

space tourists and even operations staff.

 E. Earth Port

Figure 17 - Earth Port Concept from Obayashi (High level)

Located at the base of the SE cable, the Earth Port houses the machinery that enables the preparation and
loading of payloads onto the cable. Ground crews that operate and maintain the elevator along with high-level
management will control most of the SE operations here. The Earth Port will need to move the end of the cable to
avoid space debris by sending reverberations up the cable. This is possible because the cable will be in pure tension

Figure 18 - Earth Port Concept from Obayashi (Detailed)

at this location and support practically no weight.

 F. Earth Port Support Facility
This community is located at the nearest shore to the earth port. There will be an undersea connection
between them to transport people and cargo. Ships and airplanes will arrive here to drop off their payload. Once

Figure 19 - Earth Port Support Facility

dropped off the payloads will be and inspected for launch readiness and stored until their scheduled climb. The test
facility for module readiness will be located in close proximity to the storage center. This city will also be a hub for
space related industries who would benefit from the close proximity to this system.

G. Additional structures
There are a several other features described in the Obayashi method that will reside along the cable. These
are gravity stations and orbital gates. The gravity stations will be locations on the cable that will simulate the Mars
(3900km) and Moon (8900km) gravity conditions for the purpose of research and training. The gates are locations
that a payload will disconnect from the cable to reach the desired trajectory. These include the LEO gate (23,750km)
the GEO gate (36,000km), Mars gate (57,000km) and finally the solar system exploration gate, which is as close to
the counterweight as possible to give the payload the most kinetic energy before it is launched off the cable.
 Figure 20 - Larger View of Space Elevator Structures

H. Power
This system will require power and a lot of it. Obayashi mentions that they will power the system using a
Space Solar Power System (SSPS. The SPSS allows power capacity to expand to fit the power demand of the system
among many other benefits. Most concepts power the climbers by beamed energy using a laser to transmit power to
the climber.
Figure 21 - Space Solar Power System
 23 Appendix B: Detailed Steps & Sequence Diagrams
24 OP.1.0. Receiving payload from customer
Detailed Steps:

1. Receive “request to launch” for payload of interest with description from customer
2. Perform verification of legal and engineering requirements
a. Determine module of use
b. Alt. commission construction of a custom module
c. Alt. Inform customer of missing/rejection of requirements
3. Provide launch invoice to customer and await payment
4. Send specified module to customer
5. Pick-up Module from customer
6. Transport payload to storage.
Figure 22 - Sequence Diagram: Receiving of Payload from Customer
25 OP.2.0. Payload to Destination
Detailed Steps:

1. Module Designated end location by mission planners, sent to operations/loading logistics via UUID
2. Module Loaded on appropriate climber
a. Alt. Interplanetary
b. Alt. GEO
c. Alt. LEO
d. Alt. Upper Atmosphere
3. Loading Logistics gives go ahead for lift
4. Operations Engineers check “lift zone” for climber clearance
a. Opt. Declare bad lift and send potential clear time to loading logistics and Mission Planners
i. Mission Planners confirm if module need to come off climbers for future launch
1. Opt. If a module needs to be removed from climbers Mission Planners inform the
loading logistics group and customer
b. Engage top climber/ linked climber lift
i. Opt. Engage next climber lift
ii. Opt. Engage next climber lift
5. Climber reaches destination
a. Alt. Deploy Module
b. Alt. Launch Module
c. Alt. Re-Dock Module
Figure 23 - Sequence Diagram: Payload to Destination
26 OP.3.0. Intercept and Return
Detailed Steps:

1. Operations Engineers check “lift zone” for climber clearance

a. Opt. Declare bad lift and send potential clear time to loading logistics and Mission Planners
2. Alt. Intercept operation:
a. Module intercepts payload of interest
3. Module re-docks with associated climber
4. OEs Engage climber to return to Earth Port
5. OE’s inform Loading Logistics of climber’s ETA
6. Climber settles back at Earth Port
7. Loading Logistics removes modules
a. Alt. Return Module to Module Storage
b. Alt. If an intercept operation has occurred send Module to Outgoing Bay
 Figure 24 - Sequence Diagram: Return W/ Intercept

27 Emergency: Incoming Space Debris

Detailed Steps:

1. Operations Engineer monitors SE (Health and Well-being)

a. Space Surveillance Network Operational Display indicates potential collision of debris and elevator
tether
2. OE’s create mitigation plan to move tether at Earth Port
3. OE’s send mitigation plan to gates and station
4. OE’s check climber progression and determine appropriate action
 a. Opt. No Action
b. Opt. Return Climbers to Earth Port
c. Opt. Move Climbers to nearest Station/Gate
5. OE’s Initiate plan

Figure 25 - Sequence Diagram: Emergency Operation: Incoming Space Debris

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