getting a hand up from the Moon?

[notFritzArgelander]

https://www.sciencealert.com/researcher ... uahxrBEoaI

[Juno16]

Interesting nFA!

I remember hearing about these types of elevators or skyhooks many years ago. Don’t think that I’ll see it in my lifetime though.

Thanks,
Jim

[notFritzArgelander]

I'm skeptical about whether the strength of materials is adequate. The stresses are extreme. Theoretical limits are one thing, practical use another.

[GCoyote]

Interesting nevertheless. We've gone from pure pie-in-the-sky science fiction to an application that is potentially within our grasp.

[smp]

I'm skeptical about whether the strength of materials is adequate. The stresses are extreme. Theoretical limits are one thing, practical use another.

Strongly agree. Even if the material strength is there, over time there will be fatigue. Probably can be calculated, but can a structure like this be constructed with adequate safety margin, as well as a reasonable lifetime? Indeed, theory is one thing ...

smp

[notFritzArgelander]

I'm skeptical about whether the strength of materials is adequate. The stresses are extreme. Theoretical limits are one thing, practical use another.

Strongly agree. Even if the material strength is there, over time there will be fatigue. Probably can be calculated, but can a structure like this be constructed with adequate safety margin, as well as a reasonable lifetime? Indeed, theory is one thing ...

smp

how do you build a meaningful prototype for testing? i don't see that happening. straight to full up deployment?

[Lowjiber]

I just read this article with my morning coffee...
https://observer.com/2019/09/moon-space ... bia-study/

I loved one of the lines near the end: "The whole project may cost a few billion dollars, which is “within the whim of one particularly motivated billionaire,” said Penoyre."

I also wonder what happens when we want to come back "down"? Do we jump?

[GCoyote]

I just read this article with my morning coffee...
https://observer.com/2019/09/moon-space ... bia-study/

I loved one of the lines near the end: "The whole project may cost a few billion dollars, which is “within the whim of one particularly motivated billionaire,” said Penoyre."

I also wonder what happens when we want to come back "down"? Do we jump?

Well a new interstate may only set the government back "a few billion" but you still need to buy your own car.

[notFritzArgelander]

I think that the idea of BASE jumping from geosynchronous orbit would be interesting. Someone (not me) should give it a try.... All you'd need is a suit for reentry.