LaserMotive Finds Success In Space Elevator Competition

Bucc5062 writes "LaserMotive has achieved the first step towards the creation of a working space elevator by qualifying for the $900,000 prize in a contest sponsored by NASA. To achieve this first level, LaserMotive needed to propel a platform up a cable dangling from a helicopter at over 2 m/s. They hit a top speed of 4.13 m/s. The next level of qualification will be to achieve a climb speed greater then 5 m/s. LaserMotive beamed roughly 400 watts of laser power to a moving target at a distance of 1 kilometer, as part of the vertical laser alignment procedure. The target was a retro-reflective board a little larger than 1 meter on a side. The contest will continue for another two days with at least two other teams challenging for the prize. To win the Power Beaming competition, the LaserMotive system uses a high-power laser array to shine ultra-intense infrared light onto high-efficiency solar cells, converting the light into electric power which then drives a motor. 'Our system will track the vehicle as it climbs, compensating for motion due to wind and other changes. Building on our experience from last year’s competition, we are designing an improved system able to capture the full $2,000,000 prize.'"

Comments

Re:shouldn't they be able to design the cable also

[CopaceticOpus]

Nobody is able to design the cable. We simply don't have the technology, which is why they're focusing on the climber instead.

This is a bit like having a contest to design a cool hat to be worn while using an anti-gravity belt. If someone wins the contest, then we are one step closer to being able to float while wearing a cool hat - all that's left is the bit with the belt.

Re:Mod parent up.

[IndustrialComplex]

Let's say that at our current progress it would take us 30 years to develop a way to manufacture the cable. Then let's assume that it will take 15 years to develop a machine capable of climbing that cable.

Since the two technologies are completely distinct from each other (i.e. the solution will come from different industries) Doesn't it make sense to develop them in parallel rather than wait for the cable to be developed and then have to wait an additional 15 years for the climber technology to mature?

I've certainly polished my shoes while waiting for the limo to arrive. If the limo didn't arrive, it would have made the shoe polishing pointless, but I wouldn't want to pay for a limo to wait while I got ready.