Our Open Seating Policy will be in effect for this meetup.

Venue capacity = 40 / Estimated day-of RSVP turnout = 50%

The Space Elevator – the Future of Space Exploration

Larry Phillips

Math and physics tutor, science and mathematics blogger

The Space Elevator concept is the most promising alternative we have for going into space without the use of rockets. The idea is rather astonishing – a 100,000 mile cable would extend from the Earth’s surface straight up into outer space. Held up by centrifugal force, the cable would allow robotic “climbers” to ascend and descend on the cable, carrying cargo and people into orbit at the geosynchronous point.  The cable could also serve as a sort of slingshot to launch interplanetary spacecraft. If it were built, the Space Elevator could dramatically reduce the cost (and danger) of space travel.

The talk will focus on the simple physics of the cable, together with the engineering challenges to constructing it.

Larry Phillips is a former electrical engineer and software developer at Lucent Technologies and Bell Laboratories. He now tutors students in mathematics and physics, writes a blog on mathematics at BrightStarTutors.com/blog, and is author of a forthcoming book titled “The Elementary Mathematics of Gravity”.

(Space Elevator in Clouds courtesy of Liftport)

Parking and Such

Java Vino is located diagonally across the street from Manuel's Tavern. There is parking behind the building and on Williams Mill Road across the street. Manuel's reserves the use of their lots at all times, but parking there hasn't presented a problem for our guests so far.

Enter the cafe on the street level and let them know that your order will count toward our collective tab. They will give you drinks to take upstairs to the Wine Lounge and your food will follow.