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CosmicBrownie152023 t1_j1f0gho wrote

Reply to comment by creativename87639 in Northrop Grumman clears key hurdle for space-based solar power by PhyneasPhysicsPhrog

Problem with that is that Mars is devoid of heavy radioactive elements like uranium-235 that would power the reactors.

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creativename87639 t1_j1f1sfz wrote

Luckily we have an abundance of those metals here on earth.

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CosmicBrownie152023 t1_j1f4nly wrote

That is true. If we had an efficient way to transport them, we could power outposts using materials from Earth. We could also get more through astroid mining. Personally I think trying to colonize Mars in the next 100 years would be a bad idea. We should start with an easier project like the moon.

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Cindexxx t1_j1fcye9 wrote

We are iirc. Makes it a great pit stop to go other places. Launching from earth directly sucks.

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creativename87639 t1_j1fdl2r wrote

Yes we are, it’s the main purpose of the Artemis mission, I think the manned rocket to the moon goes up in 2024-2025

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CosmicBrownie152023 t1_j1fecfs wrote

I had forgotten about that. At least we have some proper planning.

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creativename87639 t1_j1fehzm wrote

It’s a really cool mission, I’m sad I missed Artemis 1 earlier this year but I plan on going to the Kennedy space center for the next one, it’s going to be an amazing accomplishment to set up a permanent base on the moon.

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CosmicBrownie152023 t1_j1fg0n7 wrote

Unfortunately I'll probably miss this one too. That would be an incredible accomplishment though. Setting up a moon base would be an accomplishment on par with, if not great than, the I.S.S.

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Jobotics t1_j1g8rfy wrote

Start at the moon, mine it to build a large-ish space habitat that can grow food and perfect closed loop life support systems. Build a second one and park it in orbit around Mars. Then be able to land on Mars and return at will. Profit.

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Gk5321 t1_j1fb067 wrote

Who knows, maybe by the time we get there fusion will actually be working.

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