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TryingNot2BeToxic t1_j5zwnns wrote

Reply to comment by waylandsmith in Why do sample return missions such as OSIRIS-REx use their own reentry vehicles instead of just going to the space station for pickup and return with ISS equipment? by PromptCritical725

Aight, new question. Would the space elevator concept be viable on the moon? Like we'd have a moon base, an elevator, and then a station in orbit connected.

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waylandsmith t1_j60w9pt wrote

A lunar space elevator is possible, but would be quite different than one that could be built on Earth. But the moon's lower gravity makes a lot of the benefit of a space elevator moot. A lack of atmosphere on the moon also makes some sort of railgun launch possible and economical, at least for cargo.

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