A global exchange on the future of space access
On October 15, 2025, WSPEC hosted its first international virtual workshop, bringing together speakers from the International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC), the Japan Space Elevator Association (JSEA), the Scientific Working Group for Rocketry and Space flight (WARR), and the World Space Elevator Competitions (WSPEC).
Under the theme “What Comes After Rockets?”, the workshop explored how climber design, power beaming, and international collaboration can redefine sustainable access to space.
Students, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world joined to discuss the technologies shaping this vision, from core mechanical design to wireless energy transfer.
All sessions are now available to watch below.
Talks & Recordings
1. What Is a Space Elevator? – Dennis Wright (ISEC)
A deep introduction to the concept of space elevators: a tethered system that carries payloads into space without rockets.
Dennis Wright (ISEC) explains the historical origins, physical principles, and technical challenges, from materials and power systems to deployment scenarios, and how these innovations could revolutionize future space infrastructure.
2. About WSPEC – Mordy Friedman (WSPEC CEO)
Mordy Friedman presents WSPEC’s global mission: to unite the world’s engineering competitions that advance technologies for future space elevator systems.
The talk highlights WSPEC’s structure, its collaboration with JSEA, ISEC, and WARR, and how the competition framework drives education, innovation, and research on a global stage.
3. How to Start a Climber Team – Julian Sanktjohanser (WSPEC COO)
Julian Sanktjohanser walks through the practical steps to form a WSPEC team, from project planning and cost estimation to workspace setup and sponsorships.
Based on his experience leading the WARR Space Elevator Team at the Technical University of Munich, this session provides a comprehensive guide for students and researchers interested in participating in the next WSPEC Climber Competition.
4. Climber Design Principles – Simon Calvini (WARR)
Simon Calvini delves into the engineering behind a working climber, examining its structure, drivetrain, control electronics, and software.
He presents a systems-engineering approach that integrates mechanical design, embedded control, and real-time communication, offering insight into how theory meets practice in competition-ready prototypes.
5. Climber Design Principles (JSEA) – Shuichi Ohno (original by Ryo Ikeuchi)
In this technical lecture, created by Ryo Ikeuchi and presented in English by Shuichi Ohno (JSEA), participants learned about the detailed calculations and design fundamentals used by the Japan Space Elevator Association.
The talk covers power and torque estimation, braking systems, sensor integration, wiring, and safety concepts based on more than a decade of JSETEC experience.
6. Introduction to Power Beaming – Julian Sanktjohanser (WSPEC COO)
This talk introduces power beaming, the wireless transmission of energy via laser or microwave, and its potential to power climbers in future WSPEC competitions.
Julian explains current research, system efficiency, cost estimates, and WSPEC’s roadmap toward an international Power Beaming Challenge in 2027.
7. Q&A Panel – All Speakers
The workshop concluded with an open Q&A session, during which participants discussed collaboration opportunities, upcoming competitions, and the technological roadmap for achieving scalable, sustainable access to space.
Speakers from ISEC, JSEA, WARR, and WSPEC shared insights on next steps for global cooperation and student engagement.
The WSPEC Workshop 2025 marked a significant milestone, bringing together space elevator communities from across the globe and various disciplines under a unified collaborative framework.
From power systems to climber design, the event emphasized how innovation, open competition, and education can bring the vision of sustainable space access closer to reality.
