Design Considerations for the Space Elevator Apex Anchor and GEO Node

The study team took on the challenge of expanding the "body of knowledge" pertaining to the Apex and Geosynchronous elements of the Space Elevator. A special effort was made to describe the elements in the context of an entire Space Elevator. The report complements and expands earlier ISEC Space Elevator reports on the Climber, Operations Concept, Architectures & Roadmaps, and Earth Port. To do so, we have established; 1. A robust set of definitions within the Geosynchronous and Apex Regions, and 2. The Strategic Approach to Architectural Development of a Space Elevator