LiftPort Group will make the Moon economically accessible for exploration, settlement, and extraction of natural resources by designing, constructing and operating a Lunar Space Elevator Infrastructure (LSEI). The LSEI will transport cargo and people to and from the Earth-Moon Lagrange 1 (EML1), through a soft-landing, down to the surface of the Moon. The idea of a space elevator is very compelling, and the math suggests, not only will it really work, but it would also drastically reduce the cost of getting to Earth orbit. It would cost no more than flying. There are very good reasons why a space elevator hasnt been built. Technically its all possible, but obviously there are going to be challenges. After all, its a structure that literally goes from the ground right up to geosynchronous orbit. In orbit the structure the elevator rides, which is essentially a sophisticated cable, attaches to a orbital platform like the space station. This platform not only is the destination for the elevator, but is also needed to keep the cable taut, as well as generate the electricity for the elevator. And thats the real problem... If something were to go wrong it could rain debris down all over the planet for a duration measured in months and years, not days and weeks. If an accident occurred, the level of debris in orbit around Earth might prevent routine access to Earth orbit for generations. Thats why this idea of building one of these elevators on Moon is so compelling. Its the perfect place to safely test.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 05:13:44 +0000
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