Actually, for the competition, We are only aiming for 1 m/s for 50m up a tether. Power will be supplied by a 1300W (or so) searchlight. Most groups will likely be using sattellite solar panels. In future competitions these are expected to be increased, and presumeably power will eventually be supplied using a laser. The winner will be determined by some combination of climbing speed and payload.
Slashdot Mirror
Actually, for the competition, We are only aiming for 1 m/s for 50m up a tether. Power will be supplied by a 1300W (or so) searchlight. Most groups will likely be using sattellite solar panels. In future competitions these are expected to be increased, and presumeably power will eventually be supplied using a laser. The winner will be determined by some combination of climbing speed and payload.
I expect that any groups that can meet the requirements specification (PDF) [http://www.elevator2010.org/site/documents/climbe r_rulebook.current.pdf ] will be in a good position, regardless of speed or payload.
BTW, I'm actually part of a UBC team building a climber, our website is here: http://www.physics.ubc.ca/~climber/index.html