After Shuttle Discovery: 2011 Space Elevator Conference scheduled

2011 Space Elevator Conference
August 12-14 | Microsoft Conference Center | Redmond, Washington, USA

Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Space Elevator is a radical new way to access space less expensively than possible with chemical rocket technology. The technology offers solutions to many of the problems facing communities today, including but not limited to the need for clean, renewable energy. The Space Elevator uses a carbon nanotube ribbon that stretches from the surface of the earth to a counterweight in space. Climbers ascend the ribbon lifting cargo and passengers to earth orbits and launching spacecraft to distant planets.


The conference, focusing on all aspects of Space Elevator development, will engage an international audience of scientists, engineers, educators, managers, entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, and students. The theme of this year's conference is Developing Stronger, Lighter Tethers - "30 MYuri or Bust", and will also feature topical discussions in all of the Four Pillars of Space Elevator Development: Science/Technical, Political/Social, Legal and Economic. In addition, we anticipate technical and speculative presentations on the topics mentioned below. We invite you to present a paper on a topic of your interest.


Conference tentative program:


Public Presentations (details subject to change)


A Public Space Elevator Presentation - 7pm-8pm August 11, 2011 at the Microsoft Conference Center
Space Elevator 101 Sessions - Saturday, August 13, 2011 - attend one of two sessions (morning or afternoon, separate from the three-day technical program) where you can learn more about the space elevator


3-Day Technical Program (details subject to change)


Space Elevator Overview Presentation - the popular conceptual design
Presentation of the Artsutanov and Pearson prizes to acknowledge and reward innovative thinking related to the space elevator
The NASA Centennial Challenges Strong Tether Competition - A NASA challenge in materials engineering in which the tether provided by each team is subjected to a pull test to win a $2 million prize
Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Research – latest progress in high strength CNT research
SE Impact on the Future - transformations enabled by the SE, including exploration, using space resources to solve problems here on Earth, solar power platforms, extra-terran bases, and colonization
Roadmap Workshop - focusing on the four pillars of development, get engaged!
Shotgun Science Session - science ideas not ready for prime time: rapid sequence, 5 min

It seems to ip that an Astral Trade Center constructed on the property once occupied by a center of world trade might have made a fitting memorial.