While N.A.S.A. is calling for more plans
for a lunar lander-launcher, shouldn't it ask for plans for a lunar space
elevator as well?
Assembling space elevator modules on Earth
that could be set to work on the moon seems reasonably cost effective. The cable
would be far cheaper than an earth to space elevator.
https://www.wired.com/story/the-physics-of-launching-a-lunar-lander-from-the-moons-surface/
https://www.wired.com/story/the-physics-of-launching-a-lunar-lander-from-the-moons-surface/
Easier to put together with lower gravity and
nearly no atmosphere- along with superconducting possibilities and easy solar
energy capture, a space elevator would allow unlimited orbital access to the
lunar surface and back without the non-sustainable rocket fuel requisite since
the lunar space elevator would be electrical. It might be possible to construct
a space elevator cable constructing system module on the lunar surface.
Aluminum as I understand it, natural welds in microgravity; maybe some powder
excreted from loaded modules could build upward from the moon toward space 11.5
kilometers.
Super-conducting storage loops in low
temperature super-conductor and solar panels or a nuclear generator should keep
the elevator power supply fully charged all the time. Maybe there should be two
elevators; one for cargo and the other personnel. If
the space elevator cable was charged and super-conducting it could let
passenger and cargo modules crawl up and down the line.
Developing thin or no-atmosphere space
elevators as easy to install as placing an anchor from a boat to the seafloor
might be useful on a variety of solar system moons and planetary missions.
Travel on the lunar surface should be
expedited with solar energy charged low temperature superconducting power lines
to recharge electric vehicles.
N.A.S.A. image of an old-style Earth to Space Elevator
No comments:
Post a Comment