Volunteerism vs. Rewards for Space Settlement (Was R

> > As we all know , Solar Power is nearly unlimited and
> > non-polluting. The moon is a good place to generate it.
>
> Fred Responded:
> Most of the moon is a terrible place to generate it. Small parts are merely
> bad.
>
> Most of the moon only gets sunlight fourteen days a month. Having your
> generator go down for two weeks at a time is a BAD thing.
>
> Gary S --Fred;
> All the materials to construct solar systems except for perhaps the final
> high efficiency thin solar film coating exist on the moon. With automated
> and self replicating equipment (nano mfg.?) producing the system and
> transmitting systems I don't think any other approach can compete cost wise
> -- fab or maintenance. Placement of the transmitters near the moon horizon
> (as seen from earth) and collection systems each side of the horizon
> provides constant power except for a very brief monthly down time (Earth
> shadow passing by).

Check your astronomy again. Most of the Moon's surface receives 14 days of
sunlight followed by 14 days of darkness every month. The exceptions are the
poles.

Still don't believe me? Do a little thought experiment. Pick a spot on the
moon... let's say, Tycho crater. Imagine what the moon will look like for the
next 28 days. New moon/waxing crescent/half moon/waxing gibbous/full
moon/waning gibbous/half moon/waning crescent/new moon - Tycho crater (since
it's nearly smack in the middle) will be in sunlight from half moon to half
moon... half the time. The rest of the time, it's in shadow. Or pick a
location on one of the limbs... it'll be in sunlight from full moon to new
moon, or vice versa.

> Use the moon local resources --on the moon.

I'm not arguing this point at all. Using moon materials for building is
definitely the way to go. But the moon's gravity well is *so* shallow, you're
better off putting your solar collectors in orbit.