I have completed a full-length integration algorithm for aerodynamic loads on a rotating space elevator operating in the regime of high-flying cargo transport aircraft (10 km). I have found that the energy discharge necessary to maintain the altitude of the orbiting hub is around 53.5 megawatts, and the full 2.9 billion joules of energy is discharged over a period of 2 minutes. This means that a supercapacitor can be used, and the charge built up over the 66 minute rotation period by a conservative 750 kilowatt generator. These requirements are by far less stringent than expected (previous calculations done by spreadsheet). Note I have still not taken into account the efficiency of electrodynamic stationkeeping.

Starship Generations