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> "The picture that emerged out of those meetings was that you could create a permanent, economically self-sustaining presence on the moon that could be done fo
by Ancalagon 7y ago
> "The picture that emerged out of those meetings was that you could create a permanent, economically self-sustaining presence on the moon that could be done for the single-digit billions," said Steve Jurvetson, a venture capitalist, who provided the initial Open Lunar funding.
Exactly how will this be economically self-sustaining? I don't think the stuff of moon-rocks is particularly valuable, other than to collectors and scientists. Presumable a moon colony would have difficulty just creating enough food for its populace, so I can't imagine it would have the capability to become self-sustaining. Maybe everyone becomes remote software engineers working for companies on Earth, and those companies send supplies in return?
- avmich 7y agoNobody (*) can imagine the vast market of construction materials and rocket fuel in refueling station on Earth orbit. That is, until some enterprising souls would invest and create some, and rise the hype enough to start building satellites and stations which would take advantage of that - after all, fuel and construction materials are the biggest parts by mass, and mass lifted from Earth costs pretty penny. The trick with pioneers is that they carry oxygen from the Moon, as well as titanium and aluminum - and that's the killer feature, allowing to drop prices safely below the abilities of Earth-based enterprises. Of course the profits are in part reinvested into growing the Moon base - which would be better called Moon settlement then.
- Jack000 7y agothe really obvious idea is lunar tourism. "literally the experience of a lifetime! see the Neil Armstrong footprint, eagle lander and more. Bring home lunar rocks as suveniers" then you'll have demand for all the other parts of a tourist economy, like hotels and restaurants.