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| Science & Technology |
| LEM - X-Prize |
| 2007-02-10 |
| Posted by:3dc |
| #1 While a good project in its own right, I see a different approach to a Lunar landing. Right now we are developing an unmanned rocket that will carry about 100 tons of cargo into orbit. Using these rockets, we should create 100-ton-modular 'objects' which can be taken up and assembled in orbit. The first batch of modular 'objects' should assemble into a large, fueled engine that will shuttle other spacecraft from Earth orbit to Lunar orbit and back. The engine never lands. By doing this, it saves vast amounts of weight and room that can be used for other things. A spaceship would only need the fuel to take off and achieve orbit, land on the Moon, take off from the Moon and land on Earth. Not the transit in between. Then after the shuttle engine has been built in orbit, continue taking up 100 ton 'objects', but things that will only be taking a one-way trip to the Moon. This would include heavy construction materials and supplies that would descend to the Moon first, and only in the general area of where the spaceship lander is to touch down, not needing pinpoint accuracy. But to really make a go of the Moon, we cannot expect to fly section after section of habitat there, to continually enlarge it. We have to mine tunnels and go underground, to escape the surface radiation, vacuum, and extremes of heat and cold. For this reason, we need nuclear powered mining robots to go there first. Even if they only can mine an inch a day, what they do is cumulative, and will make extended habitation there easier by a factor. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-02-10 20:52 |