Tellar Space Elevator

I'm planning to set my group up with a hostage situation in the Tellarite Space Elevator. It's an Idea I've had for years, but never got around to using.

In detailing the Space Elevator, I may be diverging somewhat from the LUG Planets of the UFP sourcebook, but that can't be helped.

I'm going for a massive "wire" stretched between the surface and a space station in geo-stationary orbit - I'll be doing the maths as to how long that wire would have to be later this evening. Some of my players are more scientifically up-tight than others.

But:

I would like to hear if anyone else has any input on the subject. What's *your* space elevator like?

-K

Well that's a cool idea - I guess it doesn't take much tweaking on the old LUG idea to suggest that it's more of a 'wire' because on the scale you are talking about a 'wire' is a tower! :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/space+elevator is about the best source I coud find - you are talking about something allong the lines of 36,000 - 40,000 Km in length to achieve a stable orbit.

While I was looking I also stumbled on recent Nasa research into Orbital tethers: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2003/20030414/rope.shtml used to generate power and catapult spacecraft without fuel.. So likewise a 40,000 Km long structure would be self powered as it would generate vast quantities of power simply by passing through the earths radiation and magentic fields!

That could be an interesting spin on the concept - the Hijackers might use that massive voltage somehow?

I am of course reminded of the Startrek Voyager Episode 'Rise' http://www.startrek.com/startrek/vie...ail/68954.html which has a similar plotline... and makes a good source.

Great articles! Thank's a lot, mate!

-K

You're welcome :)

While it doesn't fit with your idea - something about the great big spinning skyhooks whipping by could make for a dramatic epsiode! :D