Rotary Club of Senlac

This was the latest move into the world of science and to learn more of advances in astronomy by the Rotary Club of Senlac.

Simon Allen, East Sussex Astronomical Society, gave a spellbinding illustrated presentation speaking from the times of the Wright Brothers, the space elevator, cable communication, the gravity wall and gravity changes.

Low-earth orbit, 160km. up was still to be considered the hardest leap in rocket technology.

Satellites into orbit were written about in 1948. The year 1960 recorded the first communication satellites. From science fiction to NASA we learn of the asteroid; transport system; tall tower base and large system. A 'proposed system' talked of overview, first elevator (13 tonne payloads), cost and schedule, operating costs - earth, orbit, moon, Mars, Venus, asteroids. Carbon nanotubes (CNTS's) (carbon fibre types) '“ Mention of atomic bombs and nanotube modulator leading to deployment overview.

Using a large word 'geosynchronous,' orbit was indeed baffling to the minds of laymen.

The subject led to ' ribbon design and initial spacecraft launch on conventional assembled rockets. Climbers carry 13-tonne payload.

Entitled power beaming climbers, ascended by laser disc. Anchor (measurable oil rigs) were to be situated in eastern, equatorial and Pacific global areas. Challenges into space are recorded as: electrical currents; oscillations; radiation and atomic oxygen; wind; lightning; micrometeors and Leo objects. Technical budget stretched into millions, even 6.9 - 10 billion dollars. Operational costs were phenomenal but possibly not for the enormity of research, hopefully to give advantages for future. Applications would be: solar power satellites; solar system exploration and telecommunications.

All research has been to draw global attention.

The next step would be to witness a space elevator climber invented through competition.

Rotarian and past president David King, commented on the amazing presentation knowing it would be Rotarians grandchildren who might witness the realities of successful space exploits.

In almost scientific language a vote of thanks was offered for an enthralling evening into the depths of astronomy.