Russian Rocket Company Aims for Moon Base by 2015

[Space Tycoon]

Originally Posted by MPG

I guess I need to set something straight: I am not claiming that mining helium-3 on the Moon will never happen. If it's commercially viable, it will happen - no doubt about that. In fact, it's possibly one of the most exciting possible scientific developments for the future of mankind. I'm just saying that the timeframes are going to be disappointingly long.

As for fusion as such, I think it's practically a given that ITER will reach the break-even point with ease. So sooner or later, fusion will become a reality. It's again just a matter of timeframes. :winks:

It doesn't help when certain environmental groups spread unfounded, frankly hysterical assertions about fusion power:

The project experienced large opposition from environmental groups such as Greenpeace. "Pursuing nuclear fusion and the ITER project is madness," said Bridget Woodman of Greenpeace. "Nuclear fusion has all the problems of nuclear power, including producing nuclear waste and the risks of a nuclear accident." [9] "Governments should not waste our money on a dangerous toy which will never deliver any useful energy," said Jan Vande Putte of Greenpeace International. Instead, they should invest in renewable energy which is abundantly available, not in 2080 but today".

Who's saying we shouldn't pursue other renewables as well? These people make it sound as though we're going to abandon solar, wind etc. in favour of some fusion wet dream that will never pan out. Fusion is long term, no doubt. Eventually, someone will make it work, and I'd like us to be in on the ground floor when it happens.

[Bokchoi Cowboy]

Originally Posted by neglet

Stop that, Omi, you're ruining the sexy space talk with thought of space trash.

Go ahead, boys, talk more about helium mining and booster rockets!

I can picture it now.....gone are the days where the gentleman asks the lady if she would like to come up to see his etchings.....

Now we will hear: "Would you like to come up to my launch pad and check out my interceptor missile?"