Hellerbarde-type space rotovator
Getting large loads of freight out of planetary gravity wells and sending them all over the Solar system was a major concern since the beginning of the space race in the middle of the XX century because of the exorbitant costs and great amounts of energy involved. A hundred and fifty years later, one of the most common and economical solutions to such problem is the use of Space Rotovators (portmanteau word for rotational elevator) like Frauenliebe’s Hellebarde, unmanned spacecraft that sling large loads from low orbits over a planet, to other planets and locations in the Solar system.
See the Colony on Venus, project related to this one: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/3AdQJ
Loaded smart canisters approaching one of two rotovator's ends at its lowest point
Smart canisters loading the rotovator
Rotovator's end grabbing smart canisters in Low Venus Orbit
Rotovator's end grabbing smart canisters in Low Venus Orbit
One of two equal counterweights used to compensate the load on the oposite side
One of two equal counterweights used to compensate the load on the oposite side
Rotovator's middle hub orbiting Venus
Rotovator's middle hub orbiting Venus
Rotovator's end at its highest point slinging the smart canisters towards Earth
Smart canisters arriving at Earth, months after traveling from Venus
Hellerbarde-type space rotovator - Rigging test
3D model - End and smart canisters
3D model - Counterweight
3D model - Hub
UV layout sample
Concept sketches
Later concept callouts