Bush Space Plan Unwise?

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "Karell Ste-Marie"
wrote:

> Anybody else think that we could be building ships out of concrete?
> Would anyone like to debate that topic with me? We are in a zero-g
> environment here where weight doesn't matter. Hell, it's rather
> take a meteorite on a concrete wall than a meteorite on a
> plastic/metal wall.

Why yes, there are two people on the SSI list who are attracted to
the idea of building ships out of concrete. You missed the debate by
a month or so, but I'm sure you could re-ignite it.

You may want to consider what Mike wrote, about the greater mass
that now has to be propelled. When considered in light of the rocket
equation you'll have to carry more fuel on the ship. IOW, you've
scaled the whole project up.

Also, consider crack propogation in the hull, and porosity.

TangoMan