Patent ID: 6491258
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A space elevator for transporting a payload from one point to another in outer space, comprising:a first structural means, located at a first substantially fixed orbital distance from the surface of the earth, for receiving payloads, a second structural means, located at a second substantially fixed orbital distance from the surface of the earth, for receiving payloads, said second distance being greater than said fist distance, no portion of said elevator is attached to the earth's surface, and payload-transporting means disposed between and interconnecting said first and said second structural means, said payload-transporting means includes cable means extending between said first and said second structural means, said cable means comprising lifting cables and load cables, wherein said lifting cables comprise a lower strength, less dense, material than said load cables, and a housing supported by said cable means for traveling along said cable means, said housing being capable of moving said payload between said first and said second structural means, said housing further includes a drive motor for propelling said housing along said lifting cables.