tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post8142914140725400007..comments2011-02-12T19:36:26.204-05:00Comments on FOGE MoonBaseOne: Mineral CountsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586305263171565773noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-21609123207884246392007-02-13T18:52:00.000-05:002007-02-13T18:52:00.000-05:00There is quite a bit of glass in the regolith, act...There is quite a bit of glass in the regolith, actually, in the form of globules. But what I was suggesting was melting the regolith using microwaves and lasers to melt the regolith into glass. This has been proven to work - I will get the reference as soon as I can locate it.Phil Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01194234762628826158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-20704083284309789902007-02-09T15:19:00.000-05:002007-02-09T15:19:00.000-05:00If we process water for oxygen, we can use the lef...If we process water for oxygen, we can use the left over hydrogen molecules to power other equipment, or to add an element of danger if there's a leak...<BR/><BR/>[cue diabolical laugh]Beeline Serviceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05374147961892216593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-88612131931876429832007-02-08T19:50:00.000-05:002007-02-08T19:50:00.000-05:00I would increase water and Iron. Water in dark gr...I would increase water and Iron. Water in dark ground areas. Iron at surface levels (not hills). We should have a processor for water to be oxygen.neftimiadeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04680362186345200883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-67130689685823467862007-02-08T19:48:00.000-05:002007-02-08T19:48:00.000-05:00A lot of spectral work has been done on the moon. ...A lot of spectral work has been done on the moon. The South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin on the Moon has high iron content. This is believed to be from an EXTREMELY large asteroid. The south pole is believed to have 3 billion tons of metric water (ice). The water is believed to be in craters – away from the sun’s rays which would evaporate any water ice. Water would be in perpetually shaded areas. Iron would also be at surface levels as opposed to highlands. <BR/><BR/>I have not heard about melting the regolith, which is just crushed rock. Yes there is some glass, but it still seems a little far fetched - at least for the near term <BR/><BR/>The composition of materials in the highlands (like at the poles) is somewhat different than the marias. There are no maria anywhere near the South Pole so we probably should just keep it simple with respect to composition. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps we can use the "dust ups" as part of the life support arc. If a player does not cover up equipment after receiving notice, the equipment suffers failure.neftimiadeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04680362186345200883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-56506781032573080152007-02-08T18:11:00.000-05:002007-02-08T18:11:00.000-05:00Here's something elese to consider, and may offer ...Here's something elese to consider, and may offer plot ideas: China's energy plans apparently involve lunar resources: <BR/><BR/>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16960411/site/newsweek/<BR/><BR/>It is easy to be dismissive of Chinese space plans; however, it is unwise to underestimate a rival (a lesson described by, well, a Chinese man named Sun Tzu many years ago).Phil Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01194234762628826158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37148528.post-2280936245846861092007-02-08T11:58:00.000-05:002007-02-08T11:58:00.000-05:00I would add hafnium, which is considered relativel...I would add hafnium, which is considered relatively abundant in the maria. Do data as to percentages or concentrations are available, however.<BR/><BR/>Also, I just read in the most recent issue of Discover magazine that lunar regolith is very easy to melt using microwaves or ion guns, among other things. Apparently, the technology exists that would permit melting of the regolith for a desired depth of about a meter, with a firm crust of glass on top measuring several centimeters. The vision discussed was to have a "Zamboni-like" vehicle pave huge swaths of territory to prevent dustups and provide firm foundations for construction. Dust will be a major issue, and I think moving parts (like suit joints and articulating machines) will need to be covered somehow - exposed hardware will wear out very quickly in such an environment.Phil Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01194234762628826158noreply@blogger.com