Two spheres

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, Ryan Z wrote:
>
> I've already attacked your meteorite claims in a
> previous email yet you still cite that. Once again,
> there are TRACE amounts of He3 on SOME meteorites.
> Not close to the amounts that would be needed to be
> mined.

George is just spinning fantasies. Even if you could deliver tons of
He3 to Earth, there is little market for it. Andrew Case posted an
excellent analysis of He3 fusion prospects over on SSI a while back.
Suppostion on He3 economy is a weak foundation. None of this matters
if you're simply dreaming out a fantasy though.

> Bottom line, NEO are a great future mineral resource,
> no one on this list will argue with you on that point.
> What you are missing is that they are not the only
> resource out there, nor are they the best spot to look
> for all resources.

Very well said.

> Even Mars has things there which are valuable that we
> prolly could not get on NEOs or the Moon, precious
> gems. Yes, there is ample evidence I have seen to
> support the formation of ruby, emeralds and the like
> on Mars. To my knowledge, the geological process that
> creates these will make it very unlikely that these be
> found on the Moon or NEOs.

Look at the Argon concentration in the Martian atmosphere. It is
higher than on Earth. I can foresee a time when there might be
atmospheric scooping operations in order to get Noble gases for ion
propulsion.

As for the gems, I hadn't heard of that report before. Interesting,
but I think there will be little economic activity there because of
substitution effects here on Earth. Of course some gems will come
back to Earth and fetch a premium because of their origins. I
suspect that the market wouldn't be that large though.

> I am not sure why I am even arguing with you on this
> point anymore, you have so far shown no sign of
> backing up any assertions you have made and will not
> listen to any number of people on this list.

He definitely has enthusiasm but is acting more like a troll than an
engaging correspondent. I think he's just looking for people to
share and agree with his fantasies and is finding those who want
facts, evidence or arguments to be naysayers.

Who cares that he thinks that the Moon will be like Nevada!

> If you wish to start a
> more serious talk on these issues, one backed up with
> actual facts, then I'll be happy to continue this
> discussion and hopefully we will both learn something
> new.

I'm willing too, but I'm not holding my breath. Are you?

> Ryan Z
> (who is currently trying to boost up the space-related
> content of wikipedia and would love to see others also
> participate)

Which topics?

TangoMan