A More Feasible Space Elevator

Orbital component of the LiftPort lunar elevator concept (Credits: LiftPort Group/Michael Laine)

Space Elevators have long lived in the imaginations of engineers and science fiction writers as a way to simplify transportation between Earth’s surface and Earth orbit. Despite research and even a couple business ventures dedicated to the challenge, no one has been able to make a credible effort at designing such an edifice.

The LiftPort Group was one of those ventures before falling to the recent economic crash. Now the group, headed by ex-NASA researcher Michael Laine, is back, but with a better approach. Although technology doesn’t exist that would enable a space elevator to work on Earth, says Laine, it could work on the Moon. “It is significantly easier, and much much cheaper,” Laine explains in the group’s Kickstarter pitch. “Importantly – we can build it with current technology – in about eight years.”

The video below explains the workings of the lunar elevator concept:

Merryl Azriel

Merryl is Managing Editor of Space Safety Magazine and Vice President of Public Affairs for the International Space Safety Foundation. A Chemical Engineer and graduate of the International Space University with a Masters in Space Studies, Merryl is committed to the advancement of manned exploration and utilization of space resources.

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