The Case For Space
- Paper number
IAC-06-D3.1.01
- Author
Dr. Dana G. Andrews, Andrews Space & Technology, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Brian Bloudek, Andrews Space & Technology, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Development of space is stalled with the only users being national governments and telecommunications companies. Is this the end of space development, or will private enterprise eventually be able to develop space resources in the manner seen with ground resources during the industrial revolution in the 19th and 20th centuries? At the same time the world in general, and the U.S. in particular, is facing serious problems regarding global warming and the need to replace oil with something other than coal as our future energy source. This paper uses an enhanced version of the World3 demographics and resources computer model first introduced in the book “Limits to Growth” and subsequent publications, to show future world growth with and without capital spent to bring space resources to bear on the problem of adequate energy generation and reducing CO2 emissions. The data generated shows space is not a panacea, but proper use of technology to harvest critical resources from space can make a real difference in the future global standard of living and possibly prevent a catastrophic decline. Likewise the use of space resources can help shift the world energy dependency from oil and make possible a reduction in CO2 emissions from both stationary power generation and transportation elements. The key space resources that make a difference are trans-uranium metals (uranium and thorium), the nickel-cobalt group used in advanced batteries, and the platinum group metals used in mobile fuel cells. Data and designs for economically harvested these materials from the moon and from earth crossing asteroids, and delivering them to the markets on earth will be included.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D3.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.