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:

 

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Merryl Azriel

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Having wandered into professional writing and editing after a decade in engineering, science, and management, Merryl now enjoys reintegrating the dichotomy by bringing space technology and policy within reach of an interested public. After three years as Space Safety Magazine’s Managing Editor, Merryl semi-retired to Visiting Contributor and manager of the campaign to bring the International Space Station collaboration to the attention of the Nobel Peace Prize committee. She keeps her pencil sharp as Proposal Manager for U.S. government contractor CSRA.

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