An orbital ring is a concept for a space elevator that consists of a ring in low Earth orbit that rotates at above orbital speed, that has fixed tethers hanging down to the ground.
The structure is intended to be used for space launch.
The original orbital ring concept is related to the space fountain and launch loop and was explored in detail by Paul Birch and published in three parts in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society in 1982.
Read more about Orbital Ring: History, Birch's Model, Types of Orbital Rings, Orbital Rings in Fiction
Famous quotes containing the word ring:
“Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunderstorm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols.”
—Thomas Mann (1875–1955)