Lunatics vs Rockheads: the battle continues

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Goddard"
wrote:
>
> That said, you /seem/ to be thinking that I believe the Moon
> automagically contains a better set of resources than NEAs. I
> don't. It's obvious from the literature. I was merely placing a
> case against George's endless arguments in favour of NEAs
> over /anything/ else.

Very well said. I think many of us see the utility in sourcing bulk
material from the most logical places. Volitiles will have to come
from NEOs rather than Earth. Regolith, ilmenite, anorthite will come
from the Moon because of it's proximity, ease of bulk transport and
avoidance of bulk *ore carriers* utilization for months long
journeys and the fuel needed for propulsion. Mass drivers are
ideally suited for lunar launch.

NEOs will be sources for trace minerals if the demand is sufficient
enough to warrant establishing a mining and supply chain, otherwise
marginal supply will come from Earth.

Most of my responses to George were simply to debunk the "NEOs solve
every problem" theme he was advocating. The Moon has some advantages
that trump NEOs while NEOs have some advantages that trump the Moon.
Is there anything to dispute in these statements? If so, let's all
hash them out :)

TangoMan