Is a lunar space elevator a realistic proposition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of constructing a lunar space elevator, exploring its technical requirements, potential economic advantages over current rocket technology, and the challenges associated with the materials and construction methods needed for such a project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the lunar space elevator proposal does not present unrealistic challenges, although the estimated cost of $10 billion may be overly optimistic.
  • It is proposed that the strength requirements for the cable are less demanding than those for an Earth-based space elevator, potentially making it feasible with existing materials.
  • Concerns are raised about the length of the cable, which needs to exceed 50,000 km, and the current inability to construct such a long cable.
  • One participant notes that the ribbon construction is a significant variable, questioning the achievable lengths and the feasibility of large-scale production of the proposed materials.
  • Another viewpoint expresses skepticism about the market demand for such long cables, suggesting that the lack of current need may hinder the development of the necessary technology.
  • Despite the concerns, there is a belief that no technical limitations currently prevent the construction of cables of this length.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of optimism regarding the technical feasibility of a lunar space elevator while also highlighting significant uncertainties and challenges, particularly concerning material production and market demand. No consensus is reached on the practicality of the project.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainties about the current capabilities of materials for long cable construction, the economic viability of such a project, and the lack of market demand for extremely long cables.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring advanced space infrastructure, materials science, and economic models for space exploration technologies.

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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