10 replies to this topic

[Logically Irrational]

This is a bit old, but still crazy.

Lunar Solar Power Generation -LUNA RING-

http://www.shimz.co....m/lunaring.html

A shift from economical use of limited resources to the unlimited use of clean energy is the ultimate dream of all mankind. The LUNA RING, our lunar solar power generation concept, translates this dream into reality through ingenious ideas coupled with advanced space technologies. Virtually inexhaustible, nonpolluting solar energy is the ultimate source of green energy that brings prosperity to nature as well as our lives. Shimizu Corporation proposes The LUNA RING for the infinite coexistence of mankind and the Earth.

Lunar resources will be used to the fullest extent possible in constructing the Solar Belt. Water can be produced by reducing lunar soil with hydrogen that is imported from the Earth. Cementing material can also be extracted from lunar resources. These materials will be mixed with lunar soil and gravel to make concrete. Bricks, glass fibers and other structural materials can also be produced by solar-heat treatments.

http://inhabitat.com...ar-power-plant/









What do you guys think?

[Time_Traveller]

I think it'll looks good but it'll cost lots and could be on the moon by 2050-2080.

[EVanimations]

What about meteors? The lunar ring will have to withstand massive damage and will be under constant bombardment by space debris.

[Logically Irrational]

i guess you could have what would essentially be an army of repair robots. Just keep them in reinforced bunkers spaced out around the entire ring. The materials would be available on location, in the lunar regolith or even the meteor material itself. Of course, this would be expensive and difficult to maintain. I'm sure you could do it, and you're right it would be a serious problem, so it would probably push this kind of project back even further.

[wjfox]

Looks horrible. Ruins the Moon's aesthetic beauty.

[CyberMisterBeauty]

No,I think this makes the moon even more beautiful!

[eacao]

I don't think it will be in the 2050-80 timeframe. Encircling the moon for solar generation. 2300s, 400s even.

[Logically Irrational]

I don't think it will be in the 2050-80 timeframe. Encircling the moon for solar generation. 2300s, 400s even.

I wouldn't say that far. Likely not this century, but it could be done with a large fleet of automated robots. Make them self-replicating and all you'd have to do is send a contingent up there and wait. You would probably have to send supplies up periodically, for whatever reason, but the technology involved is far from unprecedented.

[Alric]

I don't think it will be that difficult and that timeline seems pretty reasonable to me. Of course we should have a space elevator and a moon base first. Otherwise it would be extremely difficult. Also I think it looks beautiful, that would be amazing to see up in the sky.

[MarcZ]

For everyone saying that making these solar panels around the moon have you considered how much silicon will be needed! AMG.

[Craven]

It would make sense if you could make those panels using Moon resources.
http://en.wikipedia....Surface_geology maybe it's possible.