Is there anything we need on the Moon?

[Os Cangaceiros]

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/01/26/is_there_anything_we_need_on_the_moon

[PC LOAD LETTER]

Maybe if we created a NASA lab up there we could expand our space exploration programs? You know, already broke through the gravity of Earth ... that's where most of the rocket fuel goes right now. It would let us go further, faster, cheaper than we can now ...

Something about mining rare earth minerals there doesn't seem like a cost-effective option ...

[hitch]

the moon is rich in helium-3, a non radioactive isotope which could be used for clean, cold fusion energy production. so a trip back to the moon could be worthwhile

[Doflamingo]

I think we should send all of the capitalists to the moon.

[workersadvocate]

Strategic position, resources, and because humanity fucking can do it!

I totally support a space program by a workers' republic. Either we seize it, or these will be seized for cappie interests( to hell with their own international laws currently forbiding it).

[PC LOAD LETTER]

I think we should send all of the capitalists to the moon.
They'll create a "Libertarian City", then die when nobody feeds them.

[¿Que?]

I think ol' Newt is just using subtextual associations to instill space race nostalgia.

I also think that it would be cool to explore space, and for the benefit of humanity, it will have to be done eventually if we intend to survive, but we should resolve our problems here on earth first.

[o well this is ok I guess]

We could put a giant solar cannon on the moon and hold the earth hostage.

[Le Rouge]

Why not build a Helium-3 fusion reactor on the moon. Which could be used to refuel rockets.

[Aloysius]

Landfill, duh.

Though a fusion reactor would be awesome.

[Q]

the moon is rich in helium-3, a non radioactive isotope which could be used for clean, cold fusion energy production. so a trip back to the moon could be worthwhile

You may not have read the actual article posted in the OP:


Others, notably former Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmidt, have suggested mining the moon for Helium-3, an isotope that's relatively common on the lunar surface but extremely rare on earth. Helium is used for a variety of current purposes, including radiation detection and MRIs, but some believe it could also be used for nuclear fusion power. India and Russia have both discussed plans to mine the moon for Helium-3.

Unfortunately, mining HE-3 is not so easy. According to an analysis by the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics, obtaining just one gram of He-3 from the lunar surface would require excavating 150 tons of lunar regolith. The moon also has large amounts of titanium, but this would need to be seperated from a compound also containing iron and oxygen.

In other words, the upfront costs of lunar mining would be pretty massive and perhaps only ultimately worth it if nuclear fusion using He-3 pans out, which is still a big if. This isn't even getting into the legal difficulties -- the Outer Space Treaty prohibits countries from establishing territorial sovereignty on the moon and there's not mechanism for land titles -- or the environmental concerns. (Yes, it is possible to pollute the moon.)

So while it certainly might be possible to set up a manned lunar facility of some kind -- and recent water discoveries have raised hopes for the feasibility of permanent colonization -- it's probably going to be a while before anyone makes money there.
Check the link for the multiple links throughout the text that I didn't copy-paste.

[Ocean Seal]

The only problem is that we aren't anywhere near cold fusion.

[ВАЛТЕР]

From a military perspective, it is important. Which is why I believe that the Pentagon would gladly help fund a NASA mission to set up some kind of a base. Since he who controls the high ground controls the battlefield.

I don't know what could be up there that would be of use to humans. In a capitalist world, the resources aren't really worth the investment considering how much it would cost to set up a permanent position up there, then pay people to live up there (who would have to be replaced constantly in order for their muscles not to deteriorate in a zero gravity environment), then transport the materials back to Earth, and then, finally utilize the materials. Whatever it up there, it isn't worth the hassle.

[Q]

The only problem is that we aren't anywhere near cold fusion.
Setting up a moonbase and gaining experience with long term survival, mining in a near-vacuum, etc. also takes a lot of time. By the time we are mastering second generation (hot, by the way) fusion, we better have the fusion fuel available.


I don't know what could be up there that would be of use to humans. In a capitalist world, the resources aren't really worth the investment considering how much it would cost to set up a permanent position up there, then pay people to live up there (who would have to be replaced constantly in order for their muscles not to deteriorate in a zero gravity environment), then transport the materials back to Earth, and then, finally utilize the materials. Whatever it up there, it isn't worth the hassle.
1. The moon is not a zero-gravity environment... And I'm not sure if much knowledge has been gathered so far on what the long term effects on the human body are under a lower gravity environment.
2. There is indeed nothing on the moon... Besides the one fusion fuel that may power the entirety of humanity for the next few millenia.

Read more about Helium-3 fusion and why we should get to the moon (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/moon-mars/1283056?page=4).

[ВАЛТЕР]

1. The moon is not a zero-gravity environment... And I'm not sure if much knowledge has been gathered so far on what the long term effects on the human body are under a lower gravity environment.
2. There is indeed nothing on the moon... Besides the one fusion fuel that may power the entirety of humanity for the next few millenia.

Read more about Helium-3 fusion and why we should get to the moon (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/moon-mars/1283056?page=4).

Lower the gravity the less strength your muscles need to move, etc. It is logical that you become weaker after prolonged exposure to a low gravity environment.

I didn't know that this Helium-3 being there, if they have the ability to create a better fuel then I am all for it.

However, I stand by my statement that in a capitalist world, it isn't worth the investment. Especially not until they figure out how to travel to and from the moon with cargo safely with as little negative effect on the human body, and figure out how to effectively utilize this Helium-3 on a mass scale.

[Q]

Lower the gravity the less strength your muscles need to move, etc. It is logical that you become weaker after prolonged exposure to a low gravity environment.
That is indeed what one would expect. But as far as I'm aware this has never been tested. Basic scientific methodology.


However, I stand by my statement that in a capitalist world, it isn't worth the investment. Especially not until they figure out how to travel to and from the moon with cargo safely with as little negative effect on the human body, and figure out how to effectively utilize this Helium-3 on a mass scale.

Actually, it might be worth the investment. According to this site (http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=33b0eb7d-2c1c-48b8-8ca7-1dcf2b6147f1) 1kg of He3 would be worth 5.3 million dollars if one was to calculate the amount of energy it would give in the current oil price (and given that the article is from 2004, it stands to reason it would be even worth more now as oil prices have been soaring).

Say they would reuse the Saturn V, which had a payload of 45 000kg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_V). Say only 10000kg of that payload could be utilized for a backtrip to Earth. Keeping in mind that the moon program from 1964 to 1973 costed the US $44 billion in total (in present day money), it would still be hugely profitable.

But I agree that I would rather not see the claws of capitalism over our moon.

[r00t]

Technically the moon was already claimed by America when we put a flag on it as there are no imperialism restrictions there.

It would be easier to just divide and sell the land to other venture capitalists in the near future.

[RedStarOfEast]

Technically the moon was already claimed by America when we put a flag on it as there are no imperialism restrictions there.

It would be easier to just divide and sell the land to other venture capitalists in the near future.

I agree

[Q]

Technically the moon was already claimed by America when we put a flag on it as there are no imperialism restrictions there.

It would be easier to just divide and sell the land to other venture capitalists in the near future.

http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1505049615/jackie-chan-meme_reasonably_small.png

It would be easier to abolish capitalism and use the resources of the moon in the interests of humankind in general.

[gorillafuck]

It would be easier to abolish capitalism and use the resources of the moon in the interests of humankind in general.or we could not engage in moon mining.

[Rss]

Princess Celestia should banish all capitalists and fascists there for a thousand years.

Helium-3 mining and permanent research/docking/space craft maintenance station pop into my mind first.

[Leonid Brozhnev]

or we could not engage in moon mining.

IIRC, He-3 makes up part of the lunar regolith, so it can be harvested from the surface.

[workersadvocate]

Transitioning from the "kingdom of necessity" to the " kingdom of freedom" where the single law is "from each according to ability, to each according to needs", would require perpetual abundance. Comrades, we will need the moon as well as the whole world in order to finally leave the past and secure our better future.

[The Young Pioneer]

Technically the moon was already claimed by America when we put a flag on it as there are no imperialism restrictions there.

It would be easier to just divide and sell the land to other venture capitalists in the near future.

What the actual-?

You're this guy, aren't ya?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090717-who-owns-moon-real-estate.html

[bcbm]

When I go moon mining my fingers always end up smelling like shit :D

More like gunpowder.

yeah ,but... DUH.....
the moon is made of cheese....
and anyway.......
how on earth could we go, in large numbers, to the moon?
it gets so small every month.... where would we go ?

i know!!!
THE MOON----- FAB NEW HEALTH CLUB
----------------------------------------------------

come stay with us.... enjoy a gentle lunar jog....
end to end stuff!!!! see , live, the moon slim down to a curvy slimline
crescent... be inspired..... then run your middle away..... lunar syle!!!

Moonsugar

Beat me to it! Seeing as it is only a mile away though it's not that bad of a commute.

this is a verbal warning. all of this is considered spam. this is not chit-chat yall let's try to keep the serious forums serious...:closedeyes:

[∞]

Moonrocks. I'm pretty sure people will pay a pretty penny to buy Moonrock Jewelry.