Dear Friends,
It seems to me, one of the only ways government spends money that is useful to the economy, is in a space program. The technology development from such endeavors is alone sufficient, add to that, the potential opening of the vast resources, that space offers, the potential for human growth and economic advancement are phenomenal. An effective program would amount to a supply side economic stimulus program. Therefore it would necessarily create jobs. With the caveat that the government must allow the developed technologies to filter into the private sector. More jobs and better paying jobs, are what such a program offers to the nation, willing to take on the risk and reap the rewards…
The secret is smart infrastructure growth. Had the US spent the money it has, more intelligently, the human race would be on Mars now. To the World’s benefit. Lets do a thought experiment, lets say, the next few steps in a potential space program. Each step costing no more than an aircraft carrier.
The first step should in some way leverage existing space infrastructure like the International Space Station (ISS). This would be utilized as a construction platform at first. We would build reusable transfer vehicles, that would go to lunar orbit (HLO) from low Earth orbit (LEO) and back. We could call them HILOs. These vehicles would be fueled by water, lugged up as cheaply as possible, turned into hydrogen and oxygen, by electricity created with solar panels in orbit. After the new infrastructure is operational the ISS would be a way station in low Earth orbit. Next to it would be the space fuel station.
This space fuel station would be specified, with standard features required, and then posted for the market system to produce. Perhaps it would be even better for Nasa to put out a contract(s) for hydrogen and oxygen delivered to LEO. Then let the market sort out how it can be done most effectively.
Along with the development of the HILO space craft, there would be concurrent development of a reusable HLO to lunar surface, and back, landing craft. The Lander could be carried back to Earth orbit for fueling and back on the HILO, or, if it is more efficient, it could be left in high Lunar Orbit and fueled there.
The base would have to be in a commercially viable location, like the rim of a crater, on the Moon’s south pole. There has been proven to be water in the form of ice there. Providing a potential fuel source that is not subject to Earth’s gravity well. There is constant access to sunlight in some locations, facilitating solar arrays to power such a settlement. The location would also lend itself to astronomy.
The lunar base would be the construction facility for the next step… Building a reusable space ship capable of, safely getting people and equipment from Earth to Mars and or Venus and back. We could call it ERMA. The first trip would land people on Demos and or Phobos using the tried and tested reusable Lander. Samples could be taken regarding commercially valuable minerals.
If the trip were successful, the next step would be to develop a Mars Lander/ ascent craft, that would get people to the surface and back to orbit, on the second trip. This in itself is a giant technical feat, that would yield up gems of technology, for the economy and personal comfort. Once people have landed on Mars, studies should be undertaken into the feasibility of terraforming Mars, and the viability of colonization and commercialization.
Some of the economic effects would include… Demand for technicians and skilled labor in developed countries would denude the workforce. This would compel companies, to look to undeveloped countries, for labor and engineers. The lot of the World’s people would be greatly enhanced from the demand for all sorts of people. All we have to do is avoid a war, and get rid of a nuclear program or two to fund it, the World’s people could live safer, better and happier lives. With the security that humanity could avoid a catastrophic event such as a meteor strike.
If we actually had a Leader in the World then this could be a possibility. Unfortunately, our “leaders” have always liked war… far better than they like actual progress in the lot of Man.
Sincerely,
John Pepin
