Michael Starch
Papers
1
Total Citations
31
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Michael Starch is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose research focuses on space elevator technology, power beaming systems, and advanced robotic climbers for space infrastructure. His most influential work, "Photovoltaic-Concentrator Based Power Beaming For Space Elevator Application," has garnered 31 citations and represents a landmark contribution to the field. In this study, Starch led the MClimber team at the University of Michigan's Student Space Systems Fabrication Laboratory to develop a prototype robotic climber for the NASA-sponsored Power Beaming Challenge. The paper details an innovative system that employs a simple telescope to deliver concentrated photovoltaic power, demonstrating a practical approach to wireless energy transmission for space elevator concepts. This work not only advanced the technical feasibility of space elevators but also showcased the potential of student-led research in solving complex aerospace challenges. Starch's contributions have helped bridge the gap between theoretical space elevator designs and real-world prototyping, inspiring a new generation of engineers to explore revolutionary space access technologies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Photovoltaic-Concentrator Based Power Beaming For Space Elevator Application31 citations · 2010