I'm working on a project involving an interstellar society, and I'm looking to incorporate as much actual science and economics into the project itself since I'm a stickler for numbers and logistics. However, because I'm a stickler for numbers and logistics, I've found myself in a bit of a quandary as I've inevitably encountered the subject of space elevators as an efficient means of moving goods and people into and out of orbit. The problem I've encountered specifically is what payload levels could be moved into orbit along a space elevator, and the amount of power that would be required to sustain such an activity.
At the moment, I understand that nearly half of the payload would be the climber itself, unless this was not an issue as technology progresses to reduce the mass necessary to build it. Mind you, I'm not a scientist or a math wizard, so my understanding here is somewhat limited. That say, all papers I've read on the subject appear vague and low on details as to how a smooth-brain like myself would determine what size payload could be feasible transferred up the elevator and into geostationary orbit. I might be reading the wrong papers, but then again, I'm not a scientist.
My other concern is how would I get some idea of what amount of power would be necessary to sustain the climber's ascent with said payload. I've of course read about the Edwards-Westling space elevator concept being powered by a bank of solar panels with a payload of about 300 metric tons. But I've also encountered other sources stating a "large nuclear power plant" could support a payload of up to 2.7 million metric tons. What I haven't seenquestion is how these numbers are calculated and used to determine payload levels.
One additional request would be how I would determine speed factors and the risk of friction affecting or even destroying a space elevator if you ascend too quickly. I know there are numbers out there saying 200-500 km/hour would be considered "slow", while 400-750 km/hour would be "fast". Would this number fluctuate with payload sizes or would it be inconsequential as the source of power for the elevator is brought to bear (say switching from solar to fusion for example)? Just for full disclosure, fusion would be common source of power within this interstellar society.:
- How do I determine how much payload a space elevator can lift where fusion power is readily available?
- How do I determine what the most reasonable ascent speed is for the space elevator?
As I've mentioned, as much as I love science and technology, it's not a passion that I've pursued outside of creative hobbies such as worldbuilding. If you could break down the details in a somewhat comprehensible manner, I'd be ever so grateful. But please do not view this as meaning no mathematical explanations are necessary. I welcome any opportunity to learn something new. Thank you!