Moon Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "George Perkins"
> GAMMA-RAY SPECTROSCOPY
> This non-destructive analytical technique is used to determine
> concentrations of specific chemical elements such as potassium,
> thorium, and uranium. These elements have naturally occuring
> radioactive isotopes based on their normal radioactive decay and
the
> associated emission of gamma-rays at specific wavelengths.
>
> http://edcsgs9.cr.usgs.gov/glis/hyper/glossary/e_g
>
> NEAR's scientific capabilities expand soon, when its X-
> ray/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer and Laser Rangefinder are turned on
> within the next two weeks. The spectrometer will measure
> important chemical elements such as silicon, magnesium, iron,
> uranium, thorium and potassium; the laser scans will determine
> Eros' precise shape.
>
> http://www.meteorobs.org/maillist/msg17783.html

Good links, but what's your point? Most of us know about
spectroscopy as a means of identifying material composition. What
Ryan pointed out was that it ain't all that you paint it to be. To
reference NEAR's abilities is much different than Earth-based
telescope spectroscopy. Surely, you're not advocating sending out
thousands of NEARs to analyze every asteroid.

The bulk of materials needed for cislunar development can be found
on the moon. The other materials can be sourced from asteroids. The
moon's proximity is a key benefit. Mass driver launches lower the
complexity of retreiving the material. Telepresence from Earth
allows only a few seconds delay compared to the time from asteroids.
Asteroids are good sources for some materials, but not all. If you
think otherwise, why not detail the plans for mining, processing,
transport and show us how you'll turn the problems of asteroid
mining into virtues compared to the benefits one finds from mining
the moon.

TangoMan