Using Concrete to build space ships...

hello TangoMan,

>> So the 36 prospectors would do their work now. They dont need the
>> carrier sails for that. The carrier sails would be free, to go
>back to
>> earth, taking on new prospectors, molds or gear.
>>
>> Frank
>
>You made this point clearer after I posted.

Or you didnt follow that tread as closely as you stated :-) .

>
>Considering all of the complexity in setting up the mining and
>processsing facilities, and the on-going construction, I'm not sure
>why there is still a need for solar sails?
>

How would you get those 36 prospector/mining space crafts to the
asteroids?

How would you get the molds, the equipement to the asteroids?

It is free transportation of all that to the asteroid.
The building phase would need thousands of (prospector) fares.

So that is a year long construction phase were you have to get back
for replacement parts, refuelling services and so on.

The carrier is for CHEAP long distance transportation of equipement
which happens to be small ion powered spacecrafts to a big part.

Frank