[babyface00]

I've read that the purpose of the space elevator is to carry objects to orbit. I presume that the object is taken to its desired level and then "pushed" away (to get it away from the elevator) or uses thrusters to maneuver to its final destination.

I wonder, though, if an object was carried to the end of the device, which is presumably orbiting as fast as the Earth's rotation, if it then could be let go like a giant sling shot - possibly allowing travel to the moon...

[Neville72]

"I wonder, though, if an object was carried to the end of the device, which is presumably orbiting as fast as the Earth's rotation, if it then could be let go like a giant sling shot - possibly allowing travel to the moon..."



There has been much discussion of that specific topic. Future space craft going to the moon, Mars, asteroid belt or beyond would use the elevator as a slingshot. The savings alone on weight needed to get the craft to earth orbit would be tremendous.

[Wiz]

I wonder, though, if an object was carried to the end of the device, which is presumably orbiting as fast as the Earth's rotation, if it then could be let go like a giant sling shot - possibly allowing travel to the moon...

Mass Driver?

[bdunbar]

possibly allowing travel to the moon...

Further - think Mars, Asteroid Belt, outer solar system .. Brian Dunbar System Administrator Liftport