Forget an elevator, how about a space ramp?

[palebluevoice]

Already been modeled by Kulch! Here ya go.

Lunar Mass Driver, release 3

Of course, you do have to fire a thruster at apoapsis to circularize the orbit, but it sure saves fuel in the long run.

Downloading now...that thing looks awesome.

 

[jedidia]

but they also require rockets to complete the orbit insertion,

The way I understood the OP, the hypothetical ramp extends to apogee.

 

[palebluevoice]

The way I understood the OP, the hypothetical ramp extends to apogee.

Apocynthion, but yes.

 

[Andy44]

If it extends to apogee it is also a navigation hazard, a bigger obstacle than a space elevator in fact. And it is also a giant construction project that begs to justify the cost.

 

[palebluevoice]

If it extends to apogee it is also a navigation hazard, a bigger obstacle than a space elevator in fact. And it is also a giant construction project that begs to justify the cost.

I'm not writing a paper to send to NASA; its just some hypothetical fun; obviously it has to be somewhat feasible, but I know it's ridiculous. What would be a better idea would be tying movie theater seats to a giant crossbow bolt(with corresponding ballista) with a nuclear warhead for orbital insertion. For landing, a parachute with a methane atmosphere generator(easy cleanup! All you need is one spark!)

 

[Linguofreak]

The way I understood the OP, the hypothetical ramp extends to apogee.

If it ascends at a constant angle, as I understand the OP to be proposing, apoapsis will always be higher than the top of the ramp.

Apocynthion, but yes.

In addition to Andy's "navigational hazard" and "extra cost" objections, it is also hurts efficiency for the ramp to be anything other than horizontal.

 

[Ghostrider]

That Slingatron thing looks SCARY!:uhh:

Imagine the forces in there! It would probably shred any living thing to get the velocity it would need. And imagine if something goes wrong!

Now you know why those birds are angry.:lol: