Every kilogram aboard the climber subtracts a kilogram of payload at GEO. The current frame holds at 2,140 kg dry — within 3% of the 1992 envelope.
02
Power delivered without onboard fuel.
Ground-based 1.06 µm laser arrays track the climber to 96,000 km and feed photovoltaic panels at the underside — no chemical propellant on the ribbon, ever.
03
Friction held below carbon's tolerance.
Roller pairs grip the ribbon at 2.8 kN per pad. Heat dissipation stays under 380 K — the lab-measured failure floor of the CNT weave is 470 K.
04
Climb scheduled around the storm window.
Equatorial squall lines below 20 km are routed around, not through. A seven-day forecast gate releases climbers in 42-minute launch slots from the Pacific anchor.