Parameter optimization of lunar space elevator transportation system based on comprehensive evaluation method

Lunar space elevator is a new cislunar transport system, which may substitute launch vehicle to transform people and goods between earth and moon for its low cost and uninterrupted operation capability. In order to filter out the optimal lunar space elevator program before construction, it is significant to evaluate the costs and benefits of different programs. This paper builds a comprehensive evaluation model and an optimization model to obtain the highest composite score program. The evaluation indexes of comprehensive evaluation model include mass m, construction cost c, construction duration tand annual lift capacity M, which are determined by design variables consist of length l, cross-sectional area A, and stress σ of lunar space elevator. For each group of evaluation indexes, we use analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and gray comprehensive evaluation method to gain the comprehensive score. In other words, a set of design variables determines the comprehensive score of corresponding lunar space elevator program. Through the optimization of design variables, we obtain the highest score program. The highest score program is not the one and only, it depends on the weight distribution of evaluation indexes. This work could provide reference for future lunar space elevator program selection.