NASA Estimates Moon Rocket Will Cost $104B

AP ^ | 9/19/2006 | AP Aerospace Writer

[Alter Kaker]

Yeah, but China is trying to get the HE-3 now.

Source?

[Technogeeb]

But you have no idea if:

Not true.

(1) fusion will ever be viable - folks have been talking about it becoming viable for 50 years, without result

This is not true; we get results all the time. As already mentioned, we are CONSISTENTLY getting two orders of magnitude improvement per decade.

2) If it does become viable, if Helium 3 will be the way to go,

This too is not true. We do indeed know for certain the advantages and disadvantages of the various fusion reactions. Ultimately D-T fusion has issues (such as the neutrons generated carrying away waste energy as well as potentially contaminating nearby materials) that He-3 fusion does not have. The reason He-3 fusion won't be the initial solution for fusion power is the smaller cross section (which is why it will take longer. But we know roughly HOW MUCH LONGER because of the answer to point 1).

3) It's cost effective to mine Helium 3 on the Moon.

We know the answer to this as well, because we know how much people are willing to pay for energy. No special technology is needed to mine He-3 other than what we have right now; all you have to do is scoop up the top layer of lunar soil and heat it up a bit. Knowing the relative efficiency of the fusion process allows us to determine energy extracted per volume/mass of He-3, and we know how much money it takes to move that particular mass back from the moon. From a profit perspective, it is no more theoretical than an oil pipeline is theorectical.

You want to spend trillions on pure spec -- that's beyond irresponsible.

It is only "pure spec" for those ignorant of fusion's potential.

Has fusion ever netted power? Ever come close?

Yes, we have already achieved breakeven. Do you understand the implications of that "consistently getting two orders of magnitude improvement per decade" now?

[Technogeeb]

If anybody wants to make trouble on the moon, the US Navy and the Marines will clarify the situation for them.

Not unless they already have a space presence; which isn't likely to be the case.

[Rodney King]

In fact, this is a system of boosters, spacecraft, landers, habitats, and support equipment designed to return the USA to the Moon and maintain a presence.

So, we are going to go just for the sake of going?

[GAB-1955]

Don't worry. Before the Navy and the Marines get to the moon, there will be a Coast Guardsman setting up the navigation beacons first.

[Husker8877]

This must be the theme song for the lovely and venerable Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Mars).

[blackie]

Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Mars) is a real piece of work, isn't she ~ I saw her on FNC this morning, spouting off about the hurricane. I couldn't watch; she is such a goofy moonbat. *sigh*