Is a lunar space elevator a realistic proposition?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of a lunar space elevator, referencing a 2005 proposal that estimates a construction cost of $10 billion. Participants agree that while the cable's strength requirements are manageable with existing materials, the length of over 50,000 km presents significant challenges. The consensus is that, if constructed, a lunar space elevator could provide a more economical method for transporting materials to the Moon compared to traditional rocket technology. However, the current lack of market demand for such long cables complicates the potential for large-scale production.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lunar engineering concepts
  • Familiarity with cable material properties and tensile strength
  • Knowledge of space transportation economics
  • Awareness of current advancements in material science
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in materials suitable for long cables, such as carbon nanotubes
  • Explore the economic models of space transportation, comparing rockets and space elevators
  • Investigate the engineering challenges of constructing structures in low gravity environments
  • Study existing proposals and designs for space elevators, focusing on feasibility studies
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, space policy analysts, and researchers interested in innovative space transportation solutions will benefit from this discussion.

Charles Kottler
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I recently came across this article (from 2005) outlining a proposal for a lunar space elevator: http://www.niac.usra.edu/files/library/meetings/fellows/mar05/1032Pearson.pdf

Their is nothing in the article which stands out to me as being unrealistic, although the cost estimate ($10B) might well be optimistic. Are there any technical reasons why this could not be done, and would it offer a more economic method of delivering material to the moon and beyond than existing rocket technology?
 
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It should be feasible. The strength requirements on the cable are much easier than an Earth space elevator and within the range of existing materials. Be aware, though that the cable needs to be more than 50,000 km long. We are nowhere close to being able to build something like that today. As you say, the 10B$ price tag seems very optimistic. If it could be built, it should be a much more cost effective way of getting material into space than rockets.
 
The ribbon construction seems to be the biggest variable. The pdf shows weight (ribbon + counterweight) to length estimates for between 60,000km - 300,000km. On page 12 it also lists some possible materials - do you know what lengths are currently achievable, and whether large scale production is feasible for any of these.
 
I suspect there's no market for cables this long today. Who needs a cable that can go around the Earth multiple times? So probably nobody knows how hard it will be to build something like that. However, I'm not aware of any technical limitations that prevent cables this long from being built.
 

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