Minimal mass design of a tensegrity tower for lunar electromagnetic launching

Lunar exploration has provided us with information about its abundant resources that can be utilized as lunar-derived commodities in orbiting resource depots. To minimize the energy required to transport these commodities from the lunar surface to space depots, this paper investigates the application of electromagnetic acceleration. It assesses the technical feasibility of a launcher capable of accelerating a 1,500 kg payload to 2,200 m/s (circumlunar orbit speed). To achieve a lightweight yet strong support structure for the electromagnetic launcher, this paper develops and applies the tensegrity minimum mass principle to the design of the support system. Consequently, a minimal-mass electromagnetic tensegrity lunar launcher is proposed. The mechanics of payload acceleration, including how payloads reach the required velocity and how carriers are recycled for reuse, are demonstrated. The paper details the lunar launch system, propulsion procedures, and the mass and energy requirements for the launch barrel. It also presents the governing equations for the tensegrity minimum mass design algorithm, accounting for gravity and preventing global buckling. Finally, a case study illustrates a feasible structural design, along with its mass and energy requirements. The principles developed are broadly applicable to other systems, including rocket launch systems, space elevators, space train transportation, and interstellar payload delivery.