The ISS

> > > What about ISS becoming a utility hub. Focus on power generation,
> > > communication, recycling (water, etc.), storage and other services.
> > > SSI and other interested organizations ...

> > Id say there are an equal (or greater) number of companies in
> > ceramics, chemicals, steel and other materials processing,
> > pharmaceuticals, energy production, entertainment.

> A problem with any kind of materials processing is that for any
> advantage which one might cite for 0-G (or whatever), someone
> can come up with an alternative here on Earth which, even if
> not quite as good, is a great deal less expensive.

Won't materials sourced on NEOs and the moon be processed in orbit
(or some other off-planet location)? Won't it be necessary to develop
that processing technology?

I also think that the surprises we encounter doing materials processing
in space will justify the expense. The ol' "penicillin scenario." Those
glorious, unexpected, accidental gifts.

> Even O'Neill, who was hardly one who could be accused of overlooking
> an advantage of doing things in space, was not very optimistic about
> 0-G materials processing. That's why he concentrated more on energy.

How about pharmaceuticals, energy production, entertainment, etc.
The more areas of development that are explored (including materials
processing), the more likely the end will justify the means.

Robin Chew
proU.net, Inc. - http://www.proU.net
Lucidcafe Interactive Cafe - http://www.lucidcafe.com