Space Junk

Thats a tough question and I think most would agree... We know theres
few things that space is the best place to make thing such crystals of
one kind or another... But what else?... I always wonder how you smelt
iron ore to steal in zero g, or would you need to have gravity?
Right now I dont know if lenscrafters needs space made lenses so Im
going to go out on a limb and say telescope lens market might not turn
a prophet....

Im thinking it will be mining. To be the first manufacturer in space..
One reason is our material resources are getting smaller or at least
some are.. And that will drive us to space mining and it will quickly
become more cost effective to refine and fabricate as much in space
that you can get away with before bringing it here to Earth... But
than again theres Bio tech... Which might truly be the first since it
needs only a lab and we been putting labs into space for a long
time....But does any Boi tech that needs zero g,s??
Matt you brought up a damn good question... One that for right now I
dont have an answer that sets well with me...But one thing I can
answer is this> "manufacturing cost would be lower than built on earth?"
Sadly it will be a long time before anything made in space cost less
than its made on Earth counter part..
Best look at things that are not doable on Earth.. Or can only be done
Better in space like the telescopes lens idea of yours..
Look at other things that can be made better in space than on Earth
that could be produced by the same space manufacture that make
telescopes lenses.. Now the quickest easiest way to get space
manufacturing turning a prophet is to start a few space colonies..
They will need heavy steal I beams, computer chips to toilet paper on
the cheap to get by...

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, Matt Gallimore
wrote:
>
> Since the discussion was about a space based business, hope you
don't mind a slight change in the topic.
>
> We've discussed some space related businesses (launch services,
hotels, SPS), but what do you guys think will be the first successful
space based manufacturing business?
> Possbily in the next 10-15 years? Or shortly after Bigelow
stations would be available.
>
> It seems I read somewhere that low gravity could be great for
building the optics for space telescopes or earth observing
satellites. Manufacturing the fragile components in space greatly
reduces the difficulties in packaging for vibrations and g forces
during launch. The main components would be launched from earth and
assembled to the optics at the station.
>
> Between space telescopes and earth observing satellites, do you
think there be enough sales to support such a business? We seem to
build a big space telescope once every couple decades, but we have a
lot more earth observing satellites.
>
> Any other products that low gravity would offer advantages and the
total manufacturing cost would be lower than built on earth?
>
> From: the_gunfighter_45acp
> To: spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 1:21:07 PM
> Subject: [spacesettlers] Re: Space Junk
>
> In spacesettlers@ yahoogroups. com, "Xenophile"
> wrote:
> >
> > I can't think of any reason there couldn't be a profitable
business built around dealing with space debris. However, I don't
think anybody could make a dime on it until there's a lot more stuff
happening in orbit. Tourism, powersats, other major construction
projects, especially if a lot of fragile human beings are involved.
> >
> > So have a business plan and some of the people and technology
ready to go when the need is acknowledged. Hope it doesn't become
something governments team up to do themselves.
> >
> > I guess a good first question might be: who do you charge for your
services? Governments of space-faring nations? The UN? Individual
space hotels, aerospacelines, and powersat companies?
> >
> "Thats a good Question... I've been asking myself that since I
posted this ... Only thing I can come up with is all of the above...
That--- maybe just drag clean the orbital track of a given satellite,
space station or space craft.. Though it wont be as good as trying to
clean up all of LEO it be far better than nothing... Oh and the vibe I
get from the UN, is they rather no human ever go into space much less
ever leave LEO. Hopefully that will change .... Anyhow guess the only
thing to do would be to market it to everyone with interest in space,
and see who bites...