From a geostationary intercept, a payload can theoretically ride a cable climber (power only, no reaction mass) and gravity all the way to a circular lunar orbi

From a geostationary intercept, a payload can theoretically ride a cable climber (power only, no reaction mass) and gravity all the way to a circular lunar orbit. Per a sibling comment, this technically only requires a transfer orbit or less, not a GSO. This can be quite a good jumping off point to various places around the solar system, as many of these payloads will want a gravity assist from the moon anyway. The American Delta IV Heavy has a payload to GTO of 14,220kg, and a payload to TLI of 10000kg. This means that getting to geostationary orbit is responsible for about 70% of the cost of reaching the moon. The ratio is a bit worse for the Chinese Long March 5. These are the two currently operational rockets for which my source lists a TLI payload. 70% is indeed the majority of the cost, but cutting 30% from your cost is still a pretty big deal. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_orbital_launch_systems https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_orbital_launch_s... edit: misread tables