Student Robotics Competition - Space Elevator, Jr.

General Information

Space travel using a space elevator system is a fairly recent and quite innovative concept supported by many government agencies, industry, and universities. In this concept, a motorized climber utilizes ground-based beamed power to climb a thin ribbon at moderate speeds covering several thousand miles. The concept will help to carry payloads to various orbits at a very cost-effective way. Please refer to other literature about the concept and its possible uses and limitations. You may also contact http://www.elevator2010.org for information on other similar activities and competitions.

Deadlines

If you have any questions about the competition – concepts, logistics, costs, etc. – please contact Dr. A. Nasab at anasab@mtsu.edu (Middle Tennessee State University) or at (615) 898-2052.

Purpose

The purpose of this year’s Student Robotics Competition is to design and build a climber which is able to climb a ribbon with ground-based beamed power carrying a limited payload.

Student teams from high schools, 2- and 4-year colleges are encouraged to participate in this exciting competition. This competition requires a multi-disciplinary team of students to contribute to various components of the climber. However, the project does not have a significant financial requirement.

The payload –detachable and provided by the teams- are to represent either the various components carried to space or, in the case of a moon-based space elevator, the payload would represent the components of command module to be established on the moon surface.

1. Ribbon
   The ribbon used by the climber to travel vertically upwards will be provided at the competition site. The ribbon will be a 2-in. webbing ribbon, similar to the one offered by REI stores. (BlueWater 2-Inch Climb-Spec Tubular Webbing $0.60/ft Item 472049 )
   
   The ribbon will have a length of about 30 ft and will be hung from a ceiling truss with a weight of at least 50 lbs hanging at the bottom. This will create adequate tension for the climber.
   
   
2. Light source
   The light source will be furnished at the competition. Tentatively, the lights will be the kind used in theater lighting with Fresnel lens focusing. The total amount of power consumption by the lights will be limited to 5000 watts. Notice that the amount of radiative power available by the lights will be less due heat and beam divergence losses. The lights will be mounted at the base of the ribbon and directed upward along the length of the ribbon. The starting and stopping of the climber will be controlled by the status of the lights only. More details on the specific types of light sources and their spectral properties will be provided as it becomes available.
   
   
3. Climber
   The climber is expected to have means of collecting the light radiation by solar cells or other means to generate electricity to power motors used in climbing the ribbon. Teams are encouraged to use other ideas and innovative schemes to accomplish the task of climbing the ribbon.

   The ribbon will not be available for teams to thread it in the climber. The climber design must be such that it can be mounted on the ribbon without needing the free end of the ribbon. However, the ribbon can be loosened to ease the mounting operation. The climber must not fall or roll down when the light power is off. However, the climber must be designed so that it can be pulled down with the belay line.

   OPTIONAL BONUS ACTIVITY – Teams are encouraged to incorporate a battery (or non-battery) based system for lowering the robot using a remote control. This is the only instance where an on-board power source could be used. The weight of the battery will be added to the payload weight in this case.

4. Safety
   Teams are expected to design their climbing systems in a way that is safe to operate and transport. Climbers are to be designed in such a way that they stay on the ribbon at all times. No part of the climber should separate from the climber while on the ribbon. No explosives, chemicals, liquids, or expendables are allowed. No balloons can be used either since the purpose is to simulate space environment.
   
   Belay lines will be provided to control the climbers in motion. Teams must provide a means of hooking belay lines at the top and bottom of their climbers using typical carabiners.
   
   
5. Other rules and limitations
   a. No batteries, capacitors, or other means of storing and re-using power is allowed on-board the climber
   b. No tether will be attached to the climber other than the belay line
   c. No remote control is allowed.
   d. Climber total weight must be limited to 50 lbs
   e. Small batteries for operation of the on-board electronics is allowed
   f. Any payload must be detachable for weighing purposes, but be verifiably secured to the climber while on the ribbon
   g. The climber must stay on the ribbon and track the ribbon at all times
   h. The climber must in no way damage the ribbon – very important
   i. The climber will be limited to 3 ft in any dimension.
   
   
6. Technical Report
   Each team is required to prepare a technical report which would outline the design process and detailed technical description of their climber system. Typically, the report will have at least the following sections.
   a. Cover page identifying the climber name, school name, and team members
   b. Introduction – describing space elevator concept and applications
   c. Climber design – this section may be divided to describing various components
   d. Team work/ Project management
   e. Budget
   f. Other sections /comments/ suggestions
   g. References
   
   
7. Judging
   
Members from space industry and educational institutions will serve as judges for this competition. The overall score will depend on scores on each of the following categories.
• Climber speed
• Climber payload
• Climber weight
• Technical report
• Innovative ideas
• Safety