Faculty of Physics
M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University
Regular Article

# Using an Artsimovich Railgun for Return from the Moon

## M. V. Sazhin$^1$, M. V. Safonova$^2$, V. N. Sementsov$^1$

### Moscow University Physics Bulletin 2021. N 3.

• Article
Annotation

Nonstandard techniques to deliver a payload from the Moon to Earth are explored. Two approaches are compared, which are based on using a space elevator and an acceleration device, the Artsimovich railgun. The energy needed to launch a payload to a low lunar orbit and the $L_1$ libration point in the Earth–Moon system is estimated. We conclude that the railgun is economically advantageous compared to the space elevator and standard jet technologies.

Approved: 2021 September 22
PACS:
96.20.-n Moon
96.20.Jz Gravitational field, selenodesy, and magnetic fields
29.20.-c Accelerators
94.05.Jq Spacecraft sheaths, wakes, and charging
Rissian citation:
М. В. Сажин, М. В. Сафонова, В. Н. Семенцов.
Вестн. Моск. ун-та. Сер. 3. Физ. Астрон. 2021. № 3. С. 50.
Authors
M. V. Sazhin$^1$, M. V. Safonova$^2$, V. N. Sementsov$^1$
$^1$119234, Университетский проспект, 13
$^2$Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore

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