Using Concrete to build space ships...

Hey, Frank,

> >
> >Because of the masses involved, I don't think ion thrusters would work.
>If
> >we are looking at bringing in several hundred thousand tons, what would
>an
> >ion engine have to be like to move it in a reasonable amount of time?
> >
>Several hundred thousand tons are a lot, I have to admit.
>However that is earth weight you mentioned.
>
>If we handle that in free space, shouldnt it be a lot easier to get
>it moved?
>

No. Although the weight is very low on the asteroid, and essentially nil in
zero G, the mass is still there. So, 200,000 tons of mass is still mass,
regardless of weight. While a very small thruster will, over time, move a
large mass, one has to decide what amount of time is appropriate. With the
thrust you mentioned, I would imagine that it could be a very long time,
especially if a large amount of delta-v is required.

I am certainly no authority on orbital dynamics, so I couldn't get any more
specific. However, I'd bet we're talking quite a few years.

Val

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