nasas moon exploration could

NASA's Moon exploration could eventually pay for itself...

NASA announced today

that it is planning to set up

a lunar base by 2024

_________________________________________________________________

"If this indeed happens then it makes sense to build the first space

elevator on the moon.

This is possible using today's materials. For outline of the NASA's

lunar goals see:

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/163896main_Exploration-LAT_Briefing_120406.pdf

For overview of lunar based SE see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_space_elevator

-Written by Herbert Murray @ YahooGroup Space-Elevator

NASA's Moon exploration could eventually pay for itself;

if they, stopped thinking telescope array and

started thinking Lunar Solar Power.

In the Lunar Power System approach, collectors are located on the

surface of the moon. The power is beamed to the earth as with the SPS.

Mirrors in orbit about the moon would direct sunlight to the

collectors during the lunar night and microwave reflectors in earth

orbit would serve those ground stations that are not in sight of the

moon at any given time.

Again, the economics$ look promising.

This of course means taking a visionary risk which NASA or the EIA

won't do these days. This is a gamble that would signifantly reduce

CO2 emissions here on earth.

"Mine the heavens..." - Dr. Srangelove

For an overview of lunar based Solar Power Generation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Criswell