Proposal for Skyhook: Revolutionizing Space Access and Asteroid Mining
Proposal for Skyhook: Revolutionizing Space Access and Asteroid Mining Executive Summary: The Skyhook is a novel space infrastructure concept that proposes the use of a rotating tether system made of high-strength materials such as Zylon (a material with exceptional tensile strength) to provide a massive propulsion boost to spacecraft, reducing reliance on traditional rocket technology. By using a system of redundant fibres for safety and small chemical or electrical engines to maintain the position of the tether, this technology has the potential to drastically reduce the cost of space exploration and asteroid mining. This proposal outlines the feasibility, potential applications, and critical role that Skyhooks can play in affordable asteroid mining, reducing travel time to Mars, and scaling spacecraft sizes by up to 96% . 1. Background and Need Space exploration and asteroid mining are facing immense cost and logistical barriers. Traditional rocketry is expensive, inefficien...