It’s not quite Sri Kanda (yet), but LiftPort has tested a climber on a 1000-foot ribbon:
This week’s testing involved a 12-foot (4-meter) diameter balloon. Safety lines held by team members kept the balloon from floating away. The ribbon dangling from the balloon was made of composite fiberglass, with the robot lifter running up and down the tether.
“This lifter is much smarter than our previous versions. It’s our 18th version,” he said, with the Mark VII robot named Sword Over Damocles or “Sword” for short. The belt-driven robot is battery-powered, featuring two motors and an expanded cargo area due to increased intelligence built into the device, he said.During the day, the highest altitude reached by the balloon/ribbon/robot combination was 1,000 feet (305 meters). “It gives us complete confidence that the mile goal is well within reach,” Laine said.
Laine said that the Federal Aviation Administration has been very supportive and helpful in orchestrating their test flights.
“We are cleared up to 1 mile high, off of a tethered helium balloon,” Laine said. “Our series of tests are designed to gain in altitude as we go, as we test our communications, range sensors, global positioning system satellite gear, along with temperature and camera systems.”
What’s interesting is that they have a potential non-elevator product line available to them to support development of the elevator itself:
LiftPort has been busy at work on the space elevator idea for over two years.
Furthermore, the company has created LiftPort Nanotech in Millville, N.J. That company is delving into mass production of nanotubes, focused on creating super-strong materials, ?because, ultimately, that?s what leads to a long and strong ribbon in the sky,? Laine said.
?We?re not a PowerPoint company anymore ? we?re a hardware company,? Laine concluded.
Indeed…diversification and cashflow are useful things.