Comments on: Building a Moon Base: Part 1 – Challenges and Hazards http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/ Space and astronomy news Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:58:23 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Christian http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-61593 Christian Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:21:28 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-61593 hi hey he ha oh.........yo mama hi hey he ha oh………yo mama

]]> By: Aqua http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-57080 Aqua Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:59:53 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-57080 Story time: In 1984 I worked with a fellow who was interested in creating a compact unit using fresnel lenses for focusing solar energy onto a thermal collector for heating water to create steam for power generation. He'd become stiffled by the fact that he couldn't find a suitable material that had a high enough melting point and also the ability to withstand the pressures he expected to encounter. He tried copper, it melted. He tried steel, it also melted. He tried graphite, it didn't have the tensile strength he required. Eventually he abandoned the project. Visiting one day, I saw a stack of these lenses he'd purchased and later stored in his garage. These lenses were approx. 3' X 5' X 1/4" thk, polycarbonate plates which were originally used in the manufacture of early large screen TV's. I asked what he intended to do with them? He said that eventually he'd like to finish his project, in the mean time, would I want one to experiment with? I took the lens home and did just that. I started by taking the lens outside on a sunny day and focusing the beam it created on garden soil out in front of my apartment. I lived out in the country on a ranch in an area where the soil was mostly adobe clay. I was able to melt that soil fairly easily, in fact, I melted my name in the ground. The product was a black vitrified glass-like material. Very interesting... The Mexican gardener we had came across my experiment and very impressed. In fact thru an interpreter I learned he thought I was some sort of Brujo - witch? and henceforth stayed far away from me. My point: Vitrification of lunar soils may prove suitable not only for sealing dust at landing sites but also for sealing the walls of volcanic tubes, making them airtight and suitable for habitat(s). Story time: In 1984 I worked with a fellow who was interested in creating a compact unit using fresnel lenses for focusing solar energy onto a thermal collector for heating water to create steam for power generation. He'd become stiffled by the fact that he couldn't find a suitable material that had a high enough melting point and also the ability to withstand the pressures he expected to encounter. He tried copper, it melted. He tried steel, it also melted. He tried graphite, it didn't have the tensile strength he required. Eventually he abandoned the project. Visiting one day, I saw a stack of these lenses he'd purchased and later stored in his garage. These lenses were approx. 3' X 5' X 1/4" thk, polycarbonate plates which were originally used in the manufacture of early large screen TV's. I asked what he intended to do with them? He said that eventually he'd like to finish his project, in the mean time, would I want one to experiment with? I took the lens home and did just that. I started by taking the lens outside on a sunny day and focusing the beam it created on garden soil out in front of my apartment. I lived out in the country on a ranch in an area where the soil was mostly adobe clay. I was able to melt that soil fairly easily, in fact, I melted my name in the ground. The product was a black vitrified glass-like material. Very interesting… The Mexican gardener we had came across my experiment and very impressed. In fact thru an interpreter I learned he thought I was some sort of Brujo – witch? and henceforth stayed far away from me.

My point: Vitrification of lunar soils may prove suitable not only for sealing dust at landing sites but also for sealing the walls of volcanic tubes, making them airtight and suitable for habitat(s).

]]> By: Colonising Moon/Mars - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-56401 Colonising Moon/Mars - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:44:34 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-56401 [...] to their bugs. Do you think it is realistic to visit and try to colonise the Moon and Mars? article about Building a Moon Base although I have not got to the point where they discuss these things yet. __________________ Up, [...]

[...] to their bugs. Do you think it is realistic to visit and try to colonise the Moon and Mars? article about Building a Moon Base although I have not got to the point where they discuss these things yet. __________________ Up, [...]

]]> By: Brittany http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-53822 Brittany Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:48:35 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-53822 This article is the best yet. I've been looking forever for an article just like this and here it is. You guys have done an awesoem job with this and I'd like to just say thank you. This article is the best yet. I've been looking forever for an article just like this and here it is. You guys have done an awesoem job with this and I'd like to just say thank you.

]]> By: ur mnomo http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-52200 ur mnomo Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:39:13 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-52200 dfg dfg

]]> By: Tom http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-47672 Tom Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:04:36 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-47672 Re: David Madison- Yes Mars has an atmoshere, but it is too thin to breathe without a pressure suit. It's like trying to breathe air at a very high altitude, but you're at the surface. Re: David Madison- Yes Mars has an atmoshere, but it is too thin to breathe without a pressure suit. It's like trying to breathe air at a very high altitude, but you're at the surface.

]]> By: Tom http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-47671 Tom Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:53:04 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-47671 Small to medium vaccuum units in the airlock should be able to pull (most) of the dust off of the exo-suits while the air is being restored to normal pressure. Small to medium vaccuum units in the airlock should be able to pull (most) of the dust off of the exo-suits while the air is being restored to normal pressure.

]]> By: Vladimir Matic http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-46980 Vladimir Matic Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:57:53 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-46980 Cooling machines used for mining could be made by using closed cooling systems. If water is to be used as a cooler, one part of the system should be kept outside of the drilled cavity where water would be cooled over the night. Therefore, most of the mining activity should be undertaken by night. One problem is how to deliver enough of water there, and how much would that cost. A good aspect is that once water is there it would be exposed to no loses, for the system is closed. One seems to be for sure: Any technical problems like these could be very well overcome by our engineers. Just do make the decision to go there for God's sake. Even a part of the $700 billion bailout for banks would do the job. Vladimir, from Belgrade. Cooling machines used for mining could be made by using closed cooling systems. If water is to be used as a cooler, one part of the system should be kept outside of the drilled cavity where water would be cooled over the night. Therefore, most of the mining activity should be undertaken by night.

One problem is how to deliver enough of water there, and how much would that cost. A good aspect is that once water is there it would be exposed to no loses, for the system is closed.

One seems to be for sure: Any technical problems like these could be very well overcome by our engineers. Just do make the decision to go there for God's sake. Even a part of the $700 billion bailout for banks would do the job.

Vladimir, from Belgrade.

]]> By: nick http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-38630 nick Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:12:44 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-38630 people ,for god's name we all know we must land as many ships on the moon and join them all up together .One ship for tunnels ,one ship for air ,one ship for water ,one ship for food , one ship for housing ,one for power , one factory ship , one ship for underground housing materials .Mars is just to big for us now ,stop wasting money and get the moon project done first .cheers people ,for god's name we all know we must land as many ships on the moon and join them all up together .One ship for tunnels ,one ship for air ,one ship for water ,one ship for food , one ship for housing ,one for power , one factory ship , one ship for underground housing materials .Mars is just to big for us now ,stop wasting money and get the moon project done first .cheers

]]> By: Nobody http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-37211 Nobody Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:49:08 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-37211 Mining. Really? Significantly changing the mass ratio between the earth and the moon sounds like a perfectly great idea. No dangers there. Mining. Really? Significantly changing the mass ratio between the earth and the moon sounds like a perfectly great idea. No dangers there.

]]> By: Marcos Passarello http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-34226 Marcos Passarello Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:41:22 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-34226 The design of mining machine to do the process that go to the moon, extract He3, come back to earth and in the middle of the way process the he3. I am working in a calculator for creating CVSS vulnerability severity scores. Base on CVSS standards guide to understand how to score CVSS vulnerabilities and to interpret CVSS scores. The scores are computed in sequence such that the Base Score is used to calculate the Temporal Score and the Temporal Score is used to calculate the Environmental Score. Availability of exploit (Exploitability) Type of fix available (RemediationLevel) Level of verification that vulnerability exists (ReportConfidence) Impact Metrics Confidentiality impact (ConfImpact) Integrity impact (IntegImpact) Availability impact (AvailImpact) The design of mining machine to do the process
that go to the moon, extract He3,
come back to earth and in the middle of the way process the he3.

I am working in a calculator for creating CVSS vulnerability
severity scores. Base on CVSS standards guide to understand
how to score CVSS vulnerabilities and to interpret CVSS scores.
The scores are computed in sequence such that the Base Score is
used to calculate the Temporal Score and the Temporal Score is
used to calculate the Environmental Score.

Availability of exploit
(Exploitability)

Type of fix available
(RemediationLevel)

Level of verification that vulnerability exists
(ReportConfidence)

Impact Metrics

Confidentiality impact
(ConfImpact)

Integrity impact
(IntegImpact)

Availability impact
(AvailImpact)

]]> By: Building a Moon Base | The Kingdon of Tycho http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-19876 Building a Moon Base | The Kingdon of Tycho Thu, 08 May 2008 00:01:02 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-19876 [...] Here is an article I came across on the Universe Today websit considering the hazards and construction techniques for building a Moon base. [...]

[...] Here is an article I came across on the Universe Today websit considering the hazards and construction techniques for building a Moon base. [...]

]]> By: Burzycki.org - Tech and Interesting Facts http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-18629 Burzycki.org - Tech and Interesting Facts Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:41:41 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-18629 [...] for the first habitats that will be built on the lunar landscape. In previous articles, we have examined the hazards associated with such an endeavour, we have looked at the structures available to us, we have even detailed a particular hangar-like [...]

[...] for the first habitats that will be built on the lunar landscape. In previous articles, we have examined the hazards associated with such an endeavour, we have looked at the structures available to us, we have even detailed a particular hangar-like [...]

]]> By: Building a Base on the Moon » astroengine.com http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-2/#comment-16245 Building a Base on the Moon » astroengine.com Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:44:17 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-16245 [...] Building a Base on the Moon: Part 1 - Challenges and Hazards [...]

[...] Building a Base on the Moon: Part 1 – Challenges and Hazards [...]

]]> By: Building a Base on the Moon at AntiTerra http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-16163 Building a Base on the Moon at AntiTerra Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:32:22 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-16163 [...] for the first habitats that will be built on the lunar landscape. In previous articles, we have examined the hazards associated with such an endeavour, we have looked at the structures available to us, we have even detailed a particular hangar-like [...]

[...] for the first habitats that will be built on the lunar landscape. In previous articles, we have examined the hazards associated with such an endeavour, we have looked at the structures available to us, we have even detailed a particular hangar-like [...]

]]> By: Blog van de Ruimtevaart » Blog Archive » Wat heb je nodig voor een basis op de Maan? http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-13991 Blog van de Ruimtevaart » Blog Archive » Wat heb je nodig voor een basis op de Maan? Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:11:26 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-13991 [...] Building a Base on the Moon: Part 1 - Challenges and Hazards [...]

[...] Building a Base on the Moon: Part 1 – Challenges and Hazards [...]

]]> By: jon http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-13668 jon Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:55:11 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-13668 So, what exactly are the disadvantages with nuclear power on the moon? What are the disadvantages of solar? So, what exactly are the disadvantages with nuclear power on the moon? What are the disadvantages of solar?

]]> By: Burzycki.org - Tech and Interesting Facts http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-13525 Burzycki.org - Tech and Interesting Facts Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:34:03 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-13525 [...] the first Moon base will be the biggest challenge mankind has ever embarked on. We can already speculate about the hazards, natural and manmade, associated with a human presence on the lunar surface. In response, we [...]

[...] the first Moon base will be the biggest challenge mankind has ever embarked on. We can already speculate about the hazards, natural and manmade, associated with a human presence on the lunar surface. In response, we [...]

]]> By: Universe Today » Building a Base on the Moon: Part 3 - Structural Design http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-13239 Universe Today » Building a Base on the Moon: Part 3 - Structural Design Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:12:35 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-13239 [...] the first Moon base will be the biggest challenge mankind has ever embarked on. We can already speculate about the hazards, natural and manmade, associated with a human presence on the lunar surface. In response, we [...]

[...] the first Moon base will be the biggest challenge mankind has ever embarked on. We can already speculate about the hazards, natural and manmade, associated with a human presence on the lunar surface. In response, we [...]

]]> By: Universe Today » Real-time solar storm warning now operational, protecting astronauts and satillites http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-12283 Universe Today » Real-time solar storm warning now operational, protecting astronauts and satillites Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:19:09 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-12283 [...] within the protective shield of the magnetosphere. This system will be most useful for the future colonists of the Moon and any long-haul manned missions to Mars. It may only be an hours warning, but that hour could [...]

[...] within the protective shield of the magnetosphere. This system will be most useful for the future colonists of the Moon and any long-haul manned missions to Mars. It may only be an hours warning, but that hour could [...]

]]> By: Bombing the Moon « The e-Astronomer http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-12013 Bombing the Moon « The e-Astronomer Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:02:18 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-12013 [...] fun, though of course we must wait and see if it passes the rigours of peer review. And the idea of building a Moon base is exciting, and some seriously good astronomy could be done. But its all so expensive. If its done [...]

[...] fun, though of course we must wait and see if it passes the rigours of peer review. And the idea of building a Moon base is exciting, and some seriously good astronomy could be done. But its all so expensive. If its done [...]

]]> By: John http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-11529 John Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:17:44 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-11529 To BrianC: Nice one Brian -- those are neat observations and some lateral suggestions if ever I read them :-) Suggestion: Apply to NASA right now :-) John -- www.moonposter.ie To BrianC:

Nice one Brian — those are neat observations and some lateral suggestions if ever I read them :-)
Suggestion: Apply to NASA right now :-)

John — http://www.moonposter.ie

]]> By: BrianC http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-11491 BrianC Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:56:33 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-11491 A thought occurred to me, after reading some of the above discussions regarding the 1/6 G environment, followed by others that talked habitat construction or dimensions: Whatever they plan for the habitat, they need to apply lunar-based human factors, meaning they must throw away the Earth-based 1-G paradigm. For example: where interior ceilings come into play. I've seen video clips of people walking inside a base mock-up showing off airlocks, beds and such. Then I'd look over their heads and notice that these folks are all walking around with a ceiling that is aprx 12 inches above a typical head. At first blush that looked acceptable get around in. But once in lunar gravity, people will not be able to walk like an Earthling. I foresee dented ceilings and multiple cases of concussions -- unless you either train the crew to walk with extreme slowness or with a bent-over posture (that'll do wonders to their spine), or issue everyone a hardhat… Or NASA (or whoever gets to design this) can make sure the habitat will have sufficient headroom to handle all the expected hopping. A thought occurred to me, after reading some of the above discussions regarding the 1/6 G environment, followed by others that talked habitat construction or dimensions:
Whatever they plan for the habitat, they need to apply lunar-based human factors, meaning they must throw away the Earth-based 1-G paradigm. For example: where interior ceilings come into play. I've seen video clips of people walking inside a base mock-up showing off airlocks, beds and such. Then I'd look over their heads and notice that these folks are all walking around with a ceiling that is aprx 12 inches above a typical head. At first blush that looked acceptable get around in. But once in lunar gravity, people will not be able to walk like an Earthling. I foresee dented ceilings and multiple cases of concussions — unless you either train the crew to walk with extreme slowness or with a bent-over posture (that'll do wonders to their spine), or issue everyone a hardhat… Or NASA (or whoever gets to design this) can make sure the habitat will have sufficient headroom to handle all the expected hopping.

]]> By: John http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-11462 John Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:01:27 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-11462 JOHN -- www.moonposter.ie (Moon News -- www.moonposter.ie/news.htm) Transport and habitat designs for use on the lunar surface are very much way behind. NASA's most favoured approach right now is to land as large a complete habitat as is possible on the surface (the Ares V's 8.7 metres-diameter shroud would be capable of large-ish habitats); followed later with other complete habitats that could then be joined. These would then form the foundations for building a much larger base, possibly at Shackleton Crater near the South Pole, and all done within the constraints of the necessary lunar architecture -- power supplies, living quarters, rovers...etc. Undoubtedly, their is a threat from exposed space -- dangerous radiation and micrometeorites...etc., to this temporary arrangement -- so an underground base is the likely option to reduce these risks. However, I think these plans would be very much down the long road direction. JOHN — http://www.moonposter.ie (Moon News — http://www.moonposter.ie/news.htm)

Transport and habitat designs for use on the lunar surface are very much way behind. NASA's most favoured approach right now is to land as large a complete habitat as is possible on the surface (the Ares V's 8.7 metres-diameter shroud would be capable of large-ish habitats); followed later with other complete habitats that could then be joined. These would then form the foundations for building a much larger base, possibly at Shackleton Crater near the South Pole, and all done within the constraints of the necessary lunar architecture — power supplies, living quarters, rovers…etc.
Undoubtedly, their is a threat from exposed space — dangerous radiation and micrometeorites…etc., to this temporary arrangement — so an underground base is the likely option to reduce these risks. However, I think these plans would be very much down the long road direction.

]]> By: David Madison, Sr. http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/comment-page-1/#comment-11452 David Madison, Sr. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:49:27 +0000 http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/07/building-a-base-on-the-moon-challenges-and-hazards/#comment-11452 To build on the Moon, the main problem is not significant. You have to solve all problems before you start, or you do not start. It may be better to terraform Mars before trying for a lunar outpost. Mars has no atmosphere either, is cold also, and has no water like the Moon does not. Yet you could solve all three of these problems simultaneously with importing a large comet core. We do not have the technology to do that, yet, but that could change in a couple of centuries. After impact, Mars gets heat, air, and water nearly instantly. The air will eventually bleed off into space, but that billion-year timescale does not affect the human race. To build on the Moon, the main problem is not significant. You have to solve all problems before you start, or you do not start.

It may be better to terraform Mars before trying for a lunar outpost. Mars has no atmosphere either, is cold also, and has no water like the Moon does not. Yet you could solve all three of these problems simultaneously with importing a large comet core. We do not have the technology to do that, yet, but that could change in a couple of centuries. After impact, Mars gets heat, air, and water nearly instantly. The air will eventually bleed off into space, but that billion-year timescale does not affect the human race.

]]>