It is true that as a post space station activity, Lunar Base is not yet a formal project. Nevertheless, preparations for it are somewhat firmer than the sense of the editorial would suggest (the lunar mine is an automatic content of Lunar Base, if crippling support costs are to be avoided).
The actual mining action itself, would appear to be relatively easy (powered shovel, and truck haul/ conveyor). The tonnages involved are not large compared to earth mines. Processing of the ore is under study in laboratories in the United States (aeronautical, not mining). Manufacturing from the processed ore, would be robotic.
A number of organizations are in sponsoring support of Lunar Base, besides the Space Studies Institute; for example, the American Nuclear, Geophysical and Civil Engineering Societies, and of course, NASA. Also, some major construction companies are interested in developing the innovative techniques for lunar environment construction.
The National Space Society has sponsored a competition for the design of Lunar Base, with the outcome to be announced in May or June. Michael Ross, P.Eng. Toronto, Ont.
]]>
Be the first to comment on "Letter to the Editor Lunar Base preparations under way (April 03, 1989)"