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To: King Prout

Absolutely.

One reason I chose Antarctica was to keep the ice frozen, and pure. I don't think this would help the irrigation projects, or even be wanted there.

However, the increased structural strength would be of immense benefit.

Most electro-magnetic cannon research has been stymied by the solid wall of atmosphere that the projectile hits as soon as it leaves the launcher.

They didn't seem to realise that it was a problem of scale, and that once they scaled it up appropriately, they would have ground to Near Earth Orbit for pennies per pound.

I envision wrapping the ice with aluminum sheathing, and strapping, and then recycling that into spaceships once it is arrived in orbit.

Now the question is, what to do with wood pulp? It could be converted into cheap construction material, but perhaps another substance might be useful also, like fiberglass, or something.

Seems worthy of more study.


2,885 posted on 04/15/2006 6:17:38 PM PDT by NicknamedBob (I don't want a World with empty dreams ... Dump the 1967 Outer Space Treaty Now! ... Farm Mars!)
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To: NicknamedBob

one could conceivably use a powerful laser or particle cannon to rip a vacuum trhough the air along the flight path of the projectile, and use careful shaping of its nose to widen the "hole" in the atmosphere, reducing or completely avoiding the problem of air resistance.


2,886 posted on 04/15/2006 6:25:29 PM PDT by King Prout (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT.)
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To: NicknamedBob

the wood pulp would be useful as a source of both carbon dioxide and biomass in the terraforming project.


2,887 posted on 04/15/2006 6:26:37 PM PDT by King Prout (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT.)
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To: NicknamedBob

oi!

where'd'ja go?


2,888 posted on 04/15/2006 6:38:16 PM PDT by King Prout (The UN 1967 Outer Space Treaty is bad for America and bad for humanity - DUMP IT.)
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