Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be like in 2014

Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by williadc on Tuesday August 27, 2013 @11:45PM (#6287919)

It is irritating to hear claims that something can be done which has never been done. As evidenced by every project I've ever worked on, people have a very poor idea of how much work it takes to accomplish a task. There are very likely hurdles to building moon colonies that you have not considered.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by rpedela on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @01:20AM (#6288164)

There is a big difference between saying something is possible and saying something is easy. I don't think it is easy to build a moon colony. On the other hand, I do not see any scientific or engineering reason why it is not possible. We have already proven we can land on the moon and that we can build space colonies (i.e. ISS). Sure there are hurdles I have not considered, but that just makes it hard not impossible.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by dredmorbius on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @02:49AM (#6288376)

Given that we've not been able to create a self-contained biosphere on Earth, the prospect for long-term environmental support on the Moon seems low.

The IIS gets regular resupplies to keep its environmental support systems operational and habitable.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by waterlesscloud on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @05:50AM (#6288849)

There's no requirement that a lunar colony be self-sustaining in order to qualify as a lunar colony.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by dredmorbius on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @05:56PM (#6292966)

There's no requirement

Cost per kg from Earth to Lunar surface argue otherwise.

A multi-national consortium can barely manage to sustain operations of a 6 man crew in low-Earth orbit.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by rpedela on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @11:31AM (#6290585)

1. Not sure that is a requirement.

2. I bet we could figure it out. Again don't see any reason why it is not possible. Very little research has gone into that particular problem which I think is the main reason it has not been done.

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Re:Isaac Asimov's predictions for what the world will be lik... by ctdonath on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @11:21AM (#6290535)

It is irritating to hear claims that something can be done which has never been done.

Hardly irritating - that's my job, which I enjoy.

Sure, moon colonies would require enormous effort, staggering cost, and some new technology. The problem isn't the engineering challenge; we put people & equipment in a habitable box, and brought them back, using half-century-old technology. The problem is the cost far exceeds the payoff for anywhere close to the foreseeable future, and the scenery there is about as interesting as Death Valley (briefly compelling, but you wouldn't want to live there).

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