Here at UT, we’ve had several stories that describe the concept of a space elevator. They are designed to make it easier to get objects off Earth and into space. That, so far, has proven technically or economically infeasible, as no material is strong enough to support the structure passively, and it’s too energy-intensive to … Continue reading "Using A Space Elevator To Get Resources Off the Queen of the Asteroid Belt"
What’s even out there? Dirty water? The same minerals that can be found on earth, just impossibly far and difficult to get?
What does that $5B get you for the trouble? Legislation for space crews, space work, and probably some rare medals like iridium or platinum. What’s most likely expected is weird grade silica and some ferrous metal we already have access to here in decent amounts. It’s not worth it.
What’s even out there? Dirty water? The same minerals that can be found on earth, just impossibly far and difficult to get?
What does that $5B get you for the trouble? Legislation for space crews, space work, and probably some rare medals like iridium or platinum. What’s most likely expected is weird grade silica and some ferrous metal we already have access to here in decent amounts. It’s not worth it.
The only benefit I can see is if you don’t take anything back down the gravity well. Build up manufacturing directly in space.