Momentum Exchange Banks (MEB)
A scalable inertia‑transfer system for propellantless transport between orbits, using massive flywheels, tethers, and energy banking.
By Galen Matson · contact@galenmatson.com · Interactive tools
Abstract
We propose Momentum Exchange Banks (MEB), a network of orbital infrastructure that stores angular momentum and electrical energy in counter‑rotating flywheels and exchanges momentum with spacecraft through tethers and ring motors. The system enables propellantless transfers between orbits by trading vehicle Δv for banked momentum and energy, amortizing launch energy across many missions. We outline feasible materials, magnetic bearings, superconducting energy storage, reel/roller mechanics, and candidate siting at Lagrange points and stable orbital shells. We present first‑order performance estimates and discuss scaling, safety, and economics.
- Applications: cargo ferries, orbit raising, cislunar logistics
- Key tech: Halbach bearings, SMES, graphene/BN composites, tether reels
- Ops: buy/sell Δv, energy arbitrage, momentum book‑keeping
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Key Figure
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How to Cite
Matson, G. (2025). Momentum Exchange Banks: An Inertia‑Transfer System for Propellantless Space Transport (v1.0). Retrieved from https://galenmatson.com/momentum-exchange-banks
Add the arXiv/DOI once issued; this page doubles as a canonical landing page.
Changelog
- v1.0 · 2025‑10‑07 — Initial public draft; consolidated SMES section; added reel/roller interface details and Lagrange siting notes.
License
Unless otherwise noted, this white paper is © 2025 Galen Matson. You may share the link; please ask for permission before commercial use.
Press / Media
Use the abstract and key figure above. For interviews or speaking requests, email contact@galenmatson.com.