Thursday 30 April 2015

Message to Sir Richard Branson about building a Virgin Moon Base

Dear Sir Richard,

One of my colleagues in the British Interplanetary Society has just submitted a couple of papers to our Journal that describe a new approach to building a Moon base using solar energy and local materials by remote operation from Earth.    The technique is based on mature technology from the nuclear industry but applies it in new ways and further details are set out below.  We are sufficiently confident that we are keen to do some experimental work to prove the various ideas, culminating in constructing a prototype base here on Earth.  A desert area would be best and we thought a suitable site might be on your space port in Arizona.  You are well know for your interest in space technology so, if you would like to hear more, please let me know!

Regards,

Adam Manning
Email: ionapollo@gmail.com



The most widely available lunar resources are the local regolith and power from sunlight.  New vitrification methods are proposed for making dust free chambers strong enough to support atmospheric pressure.  Cast in situ the underground structures require minimal excavation and should enable remote operation from Earth. Using this technique, there is a possibility of establishing long term bases/settlements on the Moon, Mars, Mercury.  There are two basic obstacles to such settlements: gravity and radiation, and solutions to both problems are offered utilizing subsurface structures. The structures could house large settlements of humans in comfort and safety in conditions similar to those envisioned with space based habitats.  Such settlements offer protection to their inhabitants from radiation events or asteroid strikes that could destroy an Earth-based civilization.  Power required is half that for cement production.

Friday 17 April 2015

Voices from L5 - Space Law

Voices from L5 is a series of podcasts created by space advocate Liam Ginty in which he talks to people from all around the world and from all walks of life about what space settlement means to them and their world.

When we talk about space settlement, or when we see it being discussed, it's so very often in hard engineering terms. Liam wants to change that and open the floor to allow everyone to talk about space settlement. On his show, he has artists, philosophers, anthropologists, lawyers, social scientists and anyone else with an interesting topic and a unique look at the future of humanity.

I was delighted to be asked to take part and in our interview Liam and I discuss aspects of Space Law relating to space settlement. He is a great interviewer and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part.

To listen, please use the link below: