c8919865@cc.nu.oz.au (06/28/90)
Economics of Space Development: I just completed reading a book (circa 1975 approximately) by Gerard K. O'Neil on the Human Colonisation of Space, and I am at a loss for words at how easy the commercialisation of space seems. Firstly, what is the current state of microwave power transmission technology. Does it still present an ecological hazard when used from power stations in orbit? I have not seen any recent articles of this sort and I am wondering what organisations exist now to do research into these fields. Space manufacturing with materials FROM space and not from the Earth seems to be the best way to get the best return. As for shuttles to lunar orbit, after reading how testy the SSME is, I believe that the SSME is good at what it is designed for - high thrust and quick reaction time with rugged reliability. As for getting to the moon, the engine for such a task need not be so quick, need not operate to high temperatures and NEED NOT TAKE MUCH TO DEVELOP. I really thought that the Australian government was in the doldrums at the moment, but the US is just as bad. It seems to be the Japanese that know what they're doing, and I wouldn't be suprised if the first colony in space was operated by them. As for freedom - what is it? Will it benefit? I concede that it will provide useful free-flight experimentation in space, but from there where is it going? I surely hope that in the bowels of the reason behind building freedom is that it is creating flight experience for construction of the first colony. Only then will a return come. To sum up - there seems to be a lot of frustration at the moment. What is causing this? There just isn't a long-term goal for anything. Let's brainstorm to see what we can do. ,--, ,--, ,--, ,--, ,--, ,--------, | ------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | / / | ,-----' PLAIZIER. (Undergrad) | | | | | | | |/ / | '---, | Newcastle Uni (AUSTRALIA, not UK) | | | | | | | |\ \ | ,---' | | '--, | '--' | | | \ \ | '-----, | c8919865@cc.nu.oz.au '-----' '--------' '--' '--' '--------' | -------------------------------------