Brian Turner, leader of the Kansas City Space Pirates, is going to be on Late Night with Conan O'Brian Friday night, talking about the space elevator competition
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Yeah, Trumpf is supporting five different teams (Space Pirates, NSS, TXL, University of Michigan, and LaserMotive). They told us all ahead of time, and it makes sense for them. They're hauling a hundred-thousand-dollar laser out there plus technicians, so it's prudent for them not to put all their eggs in one basket.
The advantage for the poorer teams (us and maybe Umich) is it means we don't have to get into an arms race on who can rent the biggest laser. It'll be purely a contest of laser tracking systems and climber efficiency. I think we may have an edge on that.
It's tougher for the six teams that Trumpf didn't pick; they're going to have to find their own laser arrangements. On the other hand, that gives them more choices on laser design and wavelength, which could turn out to be an advantage.
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But what's this about Trumpf playing both sides? Did you know that they were doing that?
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The advantage for the poorer teams (us and maybe Umich) is it means we don't have to get into an arms race on who can rent the biggest laser. It'll be purely a contest of laser tracking systems and climber efficiency. I think we may have an edge on that.
It's tougher for the six teams that Trumpf didn't pick; they're going to have to find their own laser arrangements. On the other hand, that gives them more choices on laser design and wavelength, which could turn out to be an advantage.
Reply
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