Difference between revisions of "Luna-Mars Trade"
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===Information=== | ===Information=== | ||
Information such as patented ideas, literature, scientific research, and computer programs can be created and traded between Luna and Mars at little to no transport expense using a [[radio link]]. | Information such as patented ideas, literature, scientific research, and computer programs can be created and traded between Luna and Mars at little to no transport expense using a [[radio link]]. | ||
| + | ===Genetic Diversity=== | ||
| + | Small vessels with cryopreserved germ or eggs can be exchanged in order to enhance the genetic diversity in the [[population]]. Also, special breedings for [[plants]] and [[animals]] with an adaptation to low gravity or with [[radiation]] tolerance can be exchanged. | ||
==Mars-Luna Transport== | ==Mars-Luna Transport== | ||
The cost of lifting items from Mars could become considerably less than the cost of lifting them from Earth. Low Mars orbit, at an altitude of 100 miles, has a velocity of 3440 meters per second, less than half of the velocity needed to orbit Earth at that altitude, more than twice the velocity needed to orbit Luna. With reusable rockets built on Earth to use liquid methane and liquid oxygen, if the exhaust velocity is 3500 meters per second, there should be 36% of the take-off weight in orbit. With wings for a [[supersonic in ground effect]] in the 0.1 psi Martian [[atmosphere]], the empty weight should be held to 30% leaving 6% of the take-off weight as cargo. If the technology for the supersonic in ground effect landing is not ready soon enough, there is always the possibility of mining [[Phobos]]. | The cost of lifting items from Mars could become considerably less than the cost of lifting them from Earth. Low Mars orbit, at an altitude of 100 miles, has a velocity of 3440 meters per second, less than half of the velocity needed to orbit Earth at that altitude, more than twice the velocity needed to orbit Luna. With reusable rockets built on Earth to use liquid methane and liquid oxygen, if the exhaust velocity is 3500 meters per second, there should be 36% of the take-off weight in orbit. With wings for a [[supersonic in ground effect]] in the 0.1 psi Martian [[atmosphere]], the empty weight should be held to 30% leaving 6% of the take-off weight as cargo. If the technology for the supersonic in ground effect landing is not ready soon enough, there is always the possibility of mining [[Phobos]]. | ||
| − | A [[ | + | A [[space elevator]] is an interesting alternative both for Luna and Mars. Probably, it allows even more cost reduction. |
==references== | ==references== | ||
Revision as of 11:17, 12 January 2009
Mars could return dividends at the same time that Luna does if they join forces.
Contents
Lunar Needs
Luna has considerable potential for manufacturing and shipping goods into orbit about Earth where it can be of financial benefit, but Luna is short of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Carbon. These elements are not only necessary for life, they are useful for many industrial processes. Mars has all of these elements in reasonably recoverable concentrations, and could export them to Luna and Earth orbiting factories.
Mining Phobos
Phobos may be rich in volatiles[1], which are needed by Luna. Phobos could be ground up and processed at one end and the tailings dumped at the other end. It should be many years before the entire moon is converted into tailings, during that time Luna and Earth orbiting factories should be churning out a great many solar power satellites, orbital habitats, and orbiting space ports to help lift traffic from Earth. If Phobos is 30% by weight volatiles and ships six thousand tons a year that is part ammonium cyanide and part propane, then after fifty years 100 billionths of Phobos will be processed.[2]
Martian Needs
Manufactured Goods
Initial Martian settlements will have little industrial infrastructure, and will have to import many goods such as electronics and medicine. Lunar settlements are in a good position to supply these needs, as the energy cost of transport from Luna is much less than from Earth.
Financing
Like Lunar settlements, Martian settlements need funding to survive. Sales of Martian resources to Lunar and other interests could be a major source of cash.
Luna to Mars Transportation
| This section of the article is incomplete or needs more detail. You can help Marspedia by expanding or correcting it. |
Mutual Needs
Settlements on Mars and Luna share many needs and opportunities.
Information
Information such as patented ideas, literature, scientific research, and computer programs can be created and traded between Luna and Mars at little to no transport expense using a radio link.
Genetic Diversity
Small vessels with cryopreserved germ or eggs can be exchanged in order to enhance the genetic diversity in the population. Also, special breedings for plants and animals with an adaptation to low gravity or with radiation tolerance can be exchanged.
Mars-Luna Transport
The cost of lifting items from Mars could become considerably less than the cost of lifting them from Earth. Low Mars orbit, at an altitude of 100 miles, has a velocity of 3440 meters per second, less than half of the velocity needed to orbit Earth at that altitude, more than twice the velocity needed to orbit Luna. With reusable rockets built on Earth to use liquid methane and liquid oxygen, if the exhaust velocity is 3500 meters per second, there should be 36% of the take-off weight in orbit. With wings for a supersonic in ground effect in the 0.1 psi Martian atmosphere, the empty weight should be held to 30% leaving 6% of the take-off weight as cargo. If the technology for the supersonic in ground effect landing is not ready soon enough, there is always the possibility of mining Phobos.
A space elevator is an interesting alternative both for Luna and Mars. Probably, it allows even more cost reduction.
references
- ↑ Near-Infrared Spectrophotometry of Phobos and Deimos http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?bibcode=2002Icar..156...64R&db_key=AST&data_type=HTML&format=&high=452a3fe65704274
- ↑ Phobos weighs 1*10^16 kg according to the Phobos article at Wikipedia.
