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:
“The world,—this shadow of the soul, or other me, lies wide around. Its attractions are the keys which unlock my thoughts and make me acquainted with myself. I run eagerly into this resounding tumult. I grasp the hands of those next to me, and take my place in the ring to suffer and to work, taught by an instinct, that so shall the dumb abyss be vocal with speech.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)