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The idea of a space elevator has been around since the late 1800′s, but despite big dreams and years of research, the low-cost, easy access to orbit that a space elevator promises is likely still decades away. The biggest problem rests on the fact that no one has been able to successfully manufacture long ribbons made of ultra-light, ultra-strong carbon nanotubes, the only known material that is strong enough for a space elevator. But entrepreneur Michael Laine believes a lunar elevator – a space elevator from the surface of the Moon – could be created with materials that are available now. With more research and the right amount of capital, Laine says a lunar elevator could be built within a decade.
While Laine said he is still “emotionally very invested” in the concept of a space elevator based on Earth, for now he has shifted his focus to the lunar elevator. “There was a question of where was I going to put my time,” he told Universe Today, “and being able to do this soon – perhaps within 5-7 years and not some mythic 15-25 years in the future is enticing.”
Since the Moon’s gravity is only one sixth that of Earth, it drastically reduces the requirements of the ribbon. A material that is available now, a synthetic polymer material called Zylon (poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) which has high strength and excellent thermal stability, could be used.
Additionally, the components to build the elevator that would be sent to the Moon would be relatively lightweight, so a smaller rocket would do the job. “The physical requirements of the system look like you could use a standard Atlas or Delta rocket to launch the components.” Laine said. “That’s a big deal that you don’t need to build something like a Saturn V.”
Read the article here: Universe Today
“Moonrush” author Dennis Wingo joins us from a converted McDonalds where he is converting old Lunar Reconnaissance to digital files for our latest live show. If you think that description sounds impressive, just wait until you see this show!
Dennis has very compelling arguments for us to not only go back to the moon but how we can colonize and monetize as well. We even cover how we can use the ISS as a building station to get to GEO to push to the moon to use as a launch pad for Mars. How’s THAT for awesome?
This is a show you simply don’t want to miss!Want an awesome tour of McMoons where you can see the 2″ AMPEX tape machine Dennis is working on, or the reels he has, or a huge chunk of meteorite? No problem! The conversation continues in post show which is available to Spacevidcast epic subscribers. Head on over to http://www.spacevidcast.com/epic for more information.
Of all the objects in the universe, none have been scutinized as much as the Moon. Sir William Herschel, the famous astronomer, in 1783 spotted something odd while studying the moon and its craters. His discovery was backed up by others observations, right up to 1937.
Incredible but true!
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Read more on Sir William Herschel:
Wikipedia: William Herschel
Google Books:Science fact and science fiction By Brian M. Stableford
SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Title: Regarding Sir William Herschel’s observations of volcanoes in the Moon
Authors: Holden, E. S.
Journal: The Observatory, Vol. 11, p. 334-335 (1888)
Bibliographic Code: 1888Obs….11..334H
Google Books: Civilized life in the universe By George Basalla
Absolute Astronomy: John Herschel: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article
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