NASA is now accepting applications for moon mining

[DocM]

The point is to mine matetials on the moon for use in space, which is far more efficient than launching supplies and raw materials from Earth. This makes moonbase logistics much simpler.

Look up ISRU (in-situ resource utilization.)

Examples:

iron and other metals and minerals, which can be used for building, creating electronics or 3D printing (additive manufacturing - soon to be tested on ISS.)

water ice in lunar pole craters (consumption, or breaking into O2 and H2 - aka rocket fuel).

Helium 3 - a potential fuel for fusion rockets, which are easier to build than fusion power reactors. Also a good fusion power reactor fuel once that's viable.

etc.

[Krome]

The moon's orbit affect earth's ocean tides.  So yes the moon's environment do effect earth environment.  For millions of years, after the moon collided with earth, everything has been balanced to the point that earth evolution depends on it.  The mass and size of the moon determines the gravitation affect each of the two world needs from each other to be in a certain distance.  I would hate to see that human's poor decision lead the moon to collide with earth for the second time.

[IsItPluggedIn]

The moon's orbit affect earth's ocean tides.  So yes the moon's environment do effect earth environment.  For millions of years, after the moon collided with earth, everything has been balanced to the point that earth evolution depends on it.  The mass and size of the moon determines the gravitation affect each of the two world needs from each other to be in a certain distance.  I would hate to see that human's poor decision lead the moon to collide with earth for the second time.

 

Lol, if the moon is Mined and its mass decreased then the moon will be less likely to collide with earth.

 

The moon has a circumference of 10 921 km. Which is more than double the width of the USA. Do you really think they will be able to Mine enough of the moon to effect it? 

 

In 1 millions of years, the moon has moved 38km away from earth.

[The_Decryptor Veteran]

The moon's orbit affect earth's ocean tides.  So yes the moon's environment do effect earth environment.  For millions of years, after the moon collided with earth, everything has been balanced to the point that earth evolution depends on it.  The mass and size of the moon determines the gravitation affect each of the two world needs from each other to be in a certain distance.  I would hate to see that human's poor decision lead the moon to collide with earth for the second time.

That's not the environment, it's the geography (The environment would be stuff like soil and atmosphere, both of which the moon doesn't have)

Anyway, the moon is moving away from us slowly so unless we decide to alter the orbit we will lose it eventually, but maybe that's a good thing since it's slowing us down.

[Caleo Global Moderator]

This! If nasa thinks they own the rights to mine the moon then i have no more respect for them. 

Did you even read anything besides the title? NASA is seeking private companies to co-op with, not saying "Oh, you can't do this unless I approve!"

 

We need to leave the moon alone.  We are doing just fine ruining our own planet, no need to do the same on the moon.  If we are really to the point that we need to look elsewhere for certain minerals, then we need to take a look at our own practices and change them.  We aren't talking about anything that is needed to sustain life, this would just be companies trying to make even more money.  I am sick and tired of seeing things ruined for the sake of some company making even more money.

It's not exactly like there's anything to truly 'ruin' on the moon. It's a lifeless, barren wasteland. Also, see this:

 

The point is to mine matetials on the moon for use in space, which is far more efficient than launching supplies and raw materials from Earth. This makes moonbase logistics much simpler.

Look up ISRU (in-situ resource utilization.)

Examples:

iron and other metals and minerals, which can be used for building, creating electronics or 3D printing (additive manufacturing - soon to be tested on ISS.)

water ice in lunar pole craters (consumption, or breaking into O2 and H2 - aka rocket fuel).

Helium 3 - a potential fuel for fusion rockets, which are easier to build than fusion power reactors. Also a good fusion power reactor fuel once that's viable.

etc.

 

 

The moon's orbit affect earth's ocean tides.  So yes the moon's environment do effect earth environment.  For millions of years, after the moon collided with earth, everything has been balanced to the point that earth evolution depends on it.  The mass and size of the moon determines the gravitation affect each of the two world needs from each other to be in a certain distance.  I would hate to see that human's poor decision lead the moon to collide with earth for the second time.

Oi. Seriously? Add up all the ore we have mined throughout the history of humanity, multiply it by 100,000 and you still won't be anywhere near how much mass it would take to influence the moon's orbit. The moon is huge. 

[shadowgmo]

 

This will be our moon...

[The_Observer]

Did you even read anything besides the title? NASA is seeking private companies to co-op with, not saying "Oh, you can't do this unless I approve!"

 

Yes i did read this, tell who give nasa the right to decide what company gets to mine on the moon. Still sounds like america trying to control everything!

 

[DocM]

That's not really how these COTS programs work. Operating under Space Act Agreements each companies progress is milestone based (mostly set by the company itself) as far as any NASA funding goes, but they can continue without funded milestones. It's all a matter of technical progress and how much skin they're able to put in the game.

[The_Decryptor Veteran]

Yes i did read this, tell who give nasa the right to decide what company gets to mine on the moon. Still sounds like america trying to control everything!

Because they're the ones with the launch capabilities.

[The_Observer]

Because they're the ones with the launch capabilities.

 

Russia? China? UK?

[DocM]

Because they're the ones with the launch capabilities.

Them, the nations ^^ and SpaceX, who will take over NASA's big Saturn V/Shuttle pad 39A within weeks, and open a new private commercial spaceport near Brownsville Texas.

Brownsville is also the likely location of a new factory to build their coming super-heavy launcher. Engine component tests for it start early this year.

[Edrick Smith]

I don't know if I trust NASA anymore, what with the whole Armstrong doping scandal & then the Prism thing.

Ummmm are you trying to be a troll or just naive? It was Lance Armstrong who was doping. Not Niel Armstrong 

 

Where is the nearest brick wall I can smash my head into if you were serious. 

[DocM]

^ what Edrick said.

[Anonymous persona]

Ummmm are you trying to be a troll or just naive? It was Lance Armstrong who was doping. Not Niel Armstrong 

 

Where is the nearest brick wall I can smash my head into if you were serious. 

lol I was thinking the exact same thing ...  +1

[IsItPluggedIn]

Yes i did read this, tell who give nasa the right to decide what company gets to mine on the moon. Still sounds like america trying to control everything!

 

 

No. Wrong. This is not about the right to mine, its about who NASA will help. Any company with the capabilities can still mine the moon if they want to, but they will not have access to NASA's resources, ie knowledge and test facilities.

 

NASA is not stopping anybody they are just trying to find companies which they will help.

 

Does that clear things up?

[The_Observer]

No. Wrong. This is not about the right to mine, its about who NASA will help. Any company with the capabilities can still mine the moon if they want to, but they will not have access to NASA's resources, ie knowledge and test facilities.

 

NASA is not stopping anybody they are just trying to find companies which they will help.

 

Does that clear things up?

 

So your saying that Nasa is saying "Hey guys who going to mine the moon and if so do you want our help. Btw it will cost you"

[IsItPluggedIn]

Pretty much, thats how these programs work. NASA don't have the funds to do this sort of work themselves so instead of not doing it, they farm our the expertise to the private business and get them to do it instead. This way NASA get what they want done without having to pay for it themselves. Which is what they have been doing with the private launcher business. 

 

Many of the private business will likely spend the money so they might get a piece of the pie later down the track.

[DocM]

And given the history of NASA major systems development since the 1970's it's better to let real innovators do it anyhow.

Over budget, overly complex, then after sinking $billions and years 90% of projects get cancelled. They wouldn't know KISS if it ran them down.

The SAA's give the commercial outfits acess to the NASA centers for testing and legacy knowledge but they do the dev in an entirely different, and more economical, way. Then NASA can then use the results in a fee for service manner.

[xrobwx71]

Yeah if you go to the linked article and read the comments you will see all the environmentalist talking crap.

 

Most Environmentalist are so far gone they would rather there be no people because then we cant affect the environment.

They'll need to get rid of any animals that generate flatulence as well. Oh yeah and volcanoes, geysers, pretty much anything that adds CO2 or CH4 to the atmosphere since these are the evil molecules. CO2-CH4---->  :shiftyninja:

  :laugh:

[+Raze Subscriber²]

I submitted my application.  Got my hardhat (with headlamp), my steel toed boots, my pick axe, sun visor, long underwear, overalls and re-breather.  I just need to find a good mule.  Anyone know where I can buy one?

[Aergan]

Weyland Intustries, Liandri Corporation or Ultor Corporation.

[DocM]

One of these would be better. Google bought the Boston Dynamics company a few months ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W68VVn-d5uA

[+Raze Subscriber²]

Weyland Intustries, Liandri Corporation or Ultor Corporation.

 

Or the Umbrella Corporation.

 

[metallithrax]

Russia? China? UK?

Russia -yes

China -yes

Uk - you're having a laugh.

[Aergan]

Or the Umbrella Corporation.

 

 

Don't be silly, they never went to space or mined.