Scientists have figured out how to build an elevator to the Moon

lovers science fiction and Futurism probably heard about the space elevator. Their purpose is fully consistent with the title, and to make such modern technology is simply impossible. But scientists have come up with something more realistic: a lunar elevator. Sounds not so crazy... at least in theory.

The main problem of the space elevator was that the base should be strong enough to support the weight of the assembly - what to do if it is real, it is incredibly expensive. Two astronomers at Cambridge University and Columbia University have proposed a concept called Spaceline. The problem with the base, they decided ingeniously simple: putting it off the ground, and moon.

Outwardly, he is more like a needle, rather than the usual elevator. He will stretch from the lunar surface at a distance of approximately 362,100 kilometers in the direction of our planet - not to interfere with satellites.

To go to the moon, man will rise enough to correct orbital altitude and synchronized with the end of "spokes" - or rather, to the station, which is located there. From there you can use the engine on solar energy to climb along a track without consuming fuel. Near the surface of the Moon to slow traffic, ensuring a soft landing.

It is important to note that Spaceline will pass through the Lagrange point of the Earth - the Moon, where there is virtually no weightlessness and other physical disturbance, which makes the construction and maintenance a snap.

A similar idea expressed even in the 70s, and with the point of view mathematics concept was quite work. Moreover, the estimated cost of the project is only a couple of billion dollars. Spaceline authors argue that it is not going to be limited by theory, in contrast to their predecessors.

Given that this is the most realistic idea of ​​all that we have heard so far, perhaps this elevator is really built in the near future.