Abstract
As a first step in the development of a space elevator, we focused on the stratospheric platform that would be used as a relay station of communication and high-resolution earth observation base at 20~30 km altitude. We propose a new system for connecting the platform to the ground by a tether that would allow the payload to be transported by a climber moving along the tether. We call this system a stratospheric elevator. The stratospheric elevator offers not only the chance to verify the space elevator technology but also the chance to extend the life of the platform by making its maintenance easy. The result of our initial study of the system showed that we can build a stratospheric elevator using currently available materials and technology. The total tether system, including a 200 kg payload and a 200 kg climber, would weigh about 2 tons with considering the effect of the high-speed airstream when we built the system at 20 km altitude, and a platform of about 80 m diameter could sustain the total system.
