It's an exciting day at the Space Elevator Games as the University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team (USST) has just posted a 58 second climb meaning that unless someone beats there time and the judges rule that all elements of the team are within the rules then we will have our first NASA Centenial Challenge winner and they will head home with $200k. More to come ... Stay tuned.
Editor's Update: Ben Shelef reports that the judges are confering on one issue that came up with USST's climb. It seems they needed some assitance on the way down. The decision is pending.
The Space Elevator Games were amazing to watch. All the teams put forth tremendous effort and exhibited skill and grace under pressure.
The major bottleneck seemed to be the time it took for hte attachment of the climbers to the belt. This seemed to be very difficult, involving ladders and props and lots of juggling. Maybe the organizers could implement a belt connector or a side loading standard, and a standaardized preloading stand, so the climbers could be wheeled up and attached quickly. That might allow more runs and less delay and tension. ;