How long would a space elevator need to be?

Since then, space elevators have shown up in many science fiction tales. But some scientists take the idea seriously. To stay in orbit, the elevator would have to be a lot longer than 100 kilometers — more like 100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) long. That’s roughly a quarter of the way from Earth’s surface to the moon.

Where will the space elevator be built?

A space elevator on Earth or the moon could make space travel and cargo transport easier, cheaper, and more sustainable. Companies in China and Japan hope to build such elevators by 2045 and 2050, respectively. Japanese researchers have even tested miniature prototypes in space.

Are space elevators safe?

Yes, it would. When the International Space Station is under threat from being hit by a satellite in orbit, it can fire its thrusters to get out of the way. A space elevator, whether it’s anchored to Earth or the moon, is static and immovable. It’s at the complete mercy of any object headed its way.

How much would it cost to build a lunar space elevator?

New study suggests that a lunar space elevator could be built for about $1 billion using existing technology. Since the dawn of the space era more than six decades ago, there’s been just one way to get to the moon and back: rockets.

Why can’t we anchor a lunar space elevator to earth’s surface?

(The cable of a lunar space elevator couldn’t be anchored to Earth’s surface because the relative motions of the moon and our planet wouldn’t permit it.)

How would an L2 elevator work on the Moon?

An L 2 elevator would mirror this arrangement on the Lunar far side, and cargo dropped from its end would be flung outward into the solar system.

Should we be able to elevate humans to the Moon?

Since the dawn of the space era more than six decades ago, there’s been just one way to get to the moon and back: rockets. But a pair of graduate students say we should now be able to ferry humans and cargo between Earth and our natural satellite via a sort of high-tech elevator.