Scientific return of a lunar elevator. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eubanks, Thomas Marshall; Radley, Charles F.
• Is Part Of: Space policy. Volume 37:Part 2(2016)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Space elevator -- Lunar exploration -- Large space structures; Astronautics and state -- Periodicals; Space industrialization -- Periodicals; Astronautique -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Espace extra-atmosphérique -- Industrialisation -- Périodiques; 333.94
• DOI: 10.1016/j.spacepol.2016.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9646

Abstract

Abstract: The concept of a space elevator dates back to Tsilokovsky, but they are not commonly considered in near-term plans for space exploration, perhaps because a terrestrial elevator would not be possible without considerable improvements in tether material. A Lunar Space Elevator (LSE), however, can be built with current technology using commercially available tether polymers. This paper considers missions leading to infrastructure capable of shortening the time, lowering the cost and enhancing the capabilities of robotic and human explorers. These missions use planetary scale tethers, strings many thousands of kilometers long stabilized either by rotation or by gravitational gradients. These systems promise major reduction in transport costs versus chemical rockets, in a rapid timeframe, for a modest investment. Science will thus benefit as well as commercial activities.