ISEC - The International Space Elevator Consortium

Our Mission

Mission Statement and Corporate Structure

From our bylaws:

"... ISEC promotes the development, construction and operation of a space elevator as a revolutionary and efficient way to space for all humanity ..."

Our plan of action is based on four pillars: Technology, Law, Business, and Outreach.

Each of the pillars is headed by a pillar lead, who functions much like a university's department head. Their job is to start initiatives (projects), pursue collaborations, guide project leads and prospective project leads in pursuing their individual projects, and generally increase the activity level of their pillar.

Technology Pillar

Pillar Lead: Ben Shelef

If it can't be built, then all discussions about the benefits of a Space Elevator are just intellectual exercises. The Technical Pillar addresses the science and engineering of the Space Elevator.

Like most large-scope projects, the Space Elevator brings together many disciplines - material strength, high power lasers, photovoltaics, etc.

Business Pillar

Pillar Lead: Ed Gray

Space today is dominated by government business. But shipping and air travel isn't. The Space Elevator may be built for security reasons or national pride, but its capacity can only be satisfied by a real space-based economy. The business pillar examines the economics of the Space Elevator.

Another focus of the business pillar are the stepping stones that lead from here to there - the ability to advance component Space Elevator technologies by building self-contained business cases around them even before the Space Elevator exists. Carbon Nanotubes are the obvious example, but not the only one.

As a specific objective, it is also important to analyze the connection and synergy between the Space Elevator and Space Based Solar Power. It may very well turn out that you can't have one without the other.

Outreach Pillar

Pillar Lead: Matt Gjertsen

People need to be sold on the idea of a Space Elevator. The public needs to be educated as to how a Space Elevator works and why it is needed and they need to be convinced that a Space Elevator will make their life better. Societal institutions; government, media, unions, the educational system, etc. must all be convinced that at the very least, this is not a project to oppose and, hopefully, one to support. So a “Social Pillar” providing a blueprint on how a PR campaign in support of the Space Elevator will be needed.

Legal Pillar

Pillar Lead: Benjamin Jarrell

The Space Elevator is going to break new legal ground. Existing Space Treaties will need to be amended. New Treaties may be needed. International cooperation may be sought. Insurability will be a requirement. So a “Legal Pillar” will be needed showing how each of these issues will be addressed.

The Legal pillar encompasses the legal foundation of the Space Elevator - international maritime, air and space law, IP law, liability law, commerce law... We can't do it unless it's legal, right? Starting work on the legal foundation well in advance will result in a more rational product - legal opinions that pre-date any conflict.