Mass Estimate for a Lunar Resource Launcher Based on Existing Terrestrial Electromagnetic Launchers

Abstract

Economic exploitation of lunar resources may be more efficient with a non-rocket approach to launch from the lunar surface. The launch system cost will depend on its design, and on the number of launches from Earth to deliver the system to the Moon. Both of these will depend on the launcher system mass. Properties of an electromagnetic resource launcher are derived from two mature terrestrial electromagnetic launchers. A mass model is derived and used to estimate launch costs for a developmental launch vehicle. A rough manufacturing cost for the system is suggested.

Keywords

• electromagnetic launch
• lunar resources
• in situ resource utilization
• fuel depot