Circumferential Space Ramp

Proposed design for Circumferential Space Ramp

Shawn L. Fratis 2021

This is my concept for a megastructure that would allow delivery of large payloads into low-Earth orbit with minimal usage of rocket-based propulsion. Cylindrical craft would ascend along a 6000+ mile long ramp at a gradual taper, using solar powered/magnetic propulsion to deliver craft to a height of 60+ miles, where more standard propulsion methods would be used to finish the spacecraft orbit insertion. 1/2 of the upper deck of the ramp would be for ascent, while the other half would be for descent.

It would be a gradually tapered ramp that covers appx 1/4 the circumference of the Earth, which would give it a length of 6225.5 miles (10,018.9 Kilometers). Its lowest point would be sea level, and it would graduate up to a height of 60 miles(96.5 Kilometers). Initial propulsion would be provided magnetically. Vehicles would travel along the major length of the ramp using magnetic levitation, until the last several miles where rocket propulsion would give them the final push to reach orbital speed.

Power for the magnetic system would be provided by large solar panels attached to the structure (see hand_sketch). 

Vehicles could travel individually, or be linked together. This would allow obects of large size and weight to be put into orbit without the constraints of rocket payloads.

Re-entry would be achieved by using a system similar to automated landing systems used at airports. Vehicles returning to Earth at high speeds (Appx 13-14,000 mph) would be guided to the ramp remotely, and then slowed down gradually using a magnetic braking sytem. 

The optimal location for such a ramp would be along the equator, and above the Pacific Ocean, which would minimze the possibility of stray debris landing in a populated area. Plus, utilizing the equator could possibly provide some gravity assist.

The entire ramp would be built as a trestle-type structure, utilizing narrow tube supports to minimize material and self-weight. The footprint of the structure would be large, but individual contact points with Earth's surface would be minimized by use of pier blocks. Construction would be achieved by using a cabling system to pull pre-assembled sections of the trestle into position.

Material for such a device could potentially be produced on Earth, but utilizing space mining techniques might be more efficient and less damaging to the environment.

The initial goal of such a project would be to help usher in the era of Megastructures. Such a device would allow the construction of even larger Megastructures, such as Dyson Spheres, Dyson Swarms, planetary rings and the like, helping to bring us up to the level of a Kardeshev 1 or 2 civilization.