Robert E. 'Skip' Penny Jr.

Design Characteristics of a Space Elevator Earth Port Robert E. 'Skip' Penny Jr.

The International Space Elevator Consortium conducted a year-long study on the development of a space elevator Earth Port. This report addresses the functional requirements and missions leading to a mature engineering complex along the equator. The report represents the culmination of efforts by multiple contributors describing the functions and operations of the Earth Port and how it interacts with other space elevator nodes. The challenge was to bring in a fresh perspective on an Earth Port by leveraging experts in many fields beyond those normally associated with space elevators. As a result of the contributions from a variety of professional backgrounds, this study should reflect a more realistic perspective of the activities at the Earth Port of a future space elevator.