Ignore the moon. There ain't shit there. Don't colonize it. Living in a vast wasteland hasn't worked out for all the people in the fucking desert, why do it on the moon now? Turn it into a Dune Buggy race course sponsored by Red Bull.
Posted by ConspiracyParadox@reddit | CrazyIdeas | View on Reddit | 133 comments
blur410@reddit
A base between earth and Mars.
Final-Teach-7353@reddit
Why would we want to go to mars? What's there beyond dust, rocks, poisonous gases, insufficient gravity and radiation?
EskilPotet@reddit
Because humans are curious
Final-Teach-7353@reddit
A robot/drone can do much more than a human explorer. It's easier to transport and don't need any life support. Also it doesn't need to be brought back.
With the money needed to take a couple of humans you could send a lot of drones.
EskilPotet@reddit
Why do you think we spend tons of resources on letting researchers live on Antarctica instead of just sending drones?
Also, drones are great, but it's more practical to have humans up there maintaining them rather than spending years sending up a new rocket every time they inevitably break.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
At least that's only half crazy but too expensive.
PremiumSpicy@reddit
Moon Buggy race course**
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
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Dull_Complaint1407@reddit
The moon has resources and can be used as a base to resupply rockets after they leave earth
Strict_Difficulty656@reddit
i think the main reason to build shit on the moon is that you can do weird science there with the low gravity
DawnOnTheEdge@reddit
The moon would be a great place to build a spaceport. Lower gravity, no atmosphere, much less energy needed to launch spaceships. Also the best source of helium-3 for fusion power.
Brilliant_Chemica@reddit
Also easier to launch spacecraft. Most of the fuel is used to escape Earth's gravity
battleduck84@reddit
So we launch rockets to the moon to get the fuel and parts there to launch rockets to space? That doesn't sound a whole lot more efficient than just hurling that shit into space directly
gc3@reddit
They are thinking of somehow building parts and fuel on the moon, and not sure how
Grand_Pie1362@reddit
Electrolysis splits H2O into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is the most efficient rocket fuel known to man and the one which just sent Artemis to the moon
shponglespore@reddit
It makes sense if you can produce fuel on the moon. If we can ever make helium-3 fusion work, the moon will suddenly become very valuable.
bemused_alligators@reddit
WATER is fuel - hydrolox engines are great, and a solar array that powers hydroelectrolysis results in fuel.
Grand_Pie1362@reddit
Holyshit someone who actually understands chemical rockets !
Cefer_Hiron@reddit
Moon probably has nuclear fusion fuel to mine
battleduck84@reddit
There is (for example helium), but earth has way more of it
Not to mention fusion is still years away from being even close to a viable source of energy even with an entire power plant built around it. I don't think most of us will see anything like a fusion powered rocket in our lifetime
Grand_Pie1362@reddit
You're wrong. Earth has about 2% helium left. It's actually very rare. Moon has shit loads of it.
Strict_Difficulty656@reddit
Current rovers use unshielded fission power, which seems more viable to me. They work a lot better in space because they don’t have to shield them, but this could change if humans were more present there
Grand_Pie1362@reddit
You can manufacture both oxygen and the world's most efficient rocket fuel with simple electrolysis on the moon.
It's an extremely valuable place to build a gateway station, it's why NASA was doing it
AverageTeemoOnetrick@reddit
Not if all the fuel is sitting on the moon already in the form of moon dust.
That’s kind of a big deal
FIGHTorRIDEANYMAN@reddit
It is. You need more and more fuel the heavier the load is.
SN6123@reddit
Look at the SR-71, that thing needs an air-to-air refuel right after takeoff. Making the tanks bigger would give it more fuel, but now its weight is up and it can’t take off. It’s reliant on other infrastructure to operate.
Imagine that for space, and the moons basically another component to the logistics system.
bemused_alligators@reddit
we can MAKE the fuel on the moon, so we don't have to ship it there from earth.
Fuel is the heaviest part of any spacecraft by several orders of magnitude
CapitalStandard4275@reddit
The idea is to take lunar ice to produce fuel on the moon. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can be refined & used as rocket fuel.
ack4@reddit
you can make fuel on the moon. Almost all of a rocket's launch mass is fuel, the ability to refuel off-planet would be massive.
CastIronStyrofoam@reddit
You are vastly underestimating how trapped we are by our gravity
Altruistic_Fan_5122@reddit
I bet you it's easier to get smaller shit into space and build it into really bigger massive shit in the low gravity then launch for deep exploration from there.
Imagine building the death star on a planet lmao.
Uranium-Sandwich657@reddit
There is minable material on yhe moon, and you can construct a mass driver to fling shit into spacr.
Mundane-Caregiver169@reddit
Are we going to build a Death Star on the moon?!
Bourbon_Cream_Dream@reddit
No, we are gonna build one to replace the moon!
Mundane-Caregiver169@reddit
Nice! Once it’s fully operational let’s test it on the earth!
Jdevers77@reddit
Initially yes, sort of. Clearly launching a ship from Earth that then lands on the Moon and then launches again is incredibly wasteful. Launching multiple ships to the moon to then start a new mission that is fueled from multiple different shipments from Earth is still inefficient but allows for things we simply can’t do from Earth.
Regardless though, the promise of launches from the Moon are not that sort of thing. Down the road a bit with a hypothetical manufacturing base on the moon and that equation changes. The surface of the moon is rich in many raw materials which we could use to construct and fuel ships. Escape velocity from the Moon is 8,552 km/h versus 40,320 km/h from the Earth. Also, while a space elevator based on the surface of the Earth would require materials substantially stronger than anything we can build right now, there are multiple materials we currently manufacture that are strong enough to do the same from the surface of the Moon. Yea, that would be a huge engineering marvel…but it’s possible versus one on the Earth is currently impossible.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Which fuel, wich parts?
Limp_Bookkeeper_5992@reddit
The point would be to manufacture things on the moon using the resources there, so we’re not launching so much mass off of earth. There’s research into what materials we can create from moon regolith, and if we can find water ice there we can break it down into hydrogen for fuel.
sick486@reddit
well, it is.
FartsLord@reddit
It’s a perfect gas station. Plenty of ice and low gravity for easy take offs.
Strict_Difficulty656@reddit
all you need is the gas
bemused_alligators@reddit
Ice = gas.
hyrolyze water in hydrogen+oxygen and then use a hydrogen-oxygen engine.
Strict_Difficulty656@reddit
the ice is -330. It takes more energy to melt it than we can get from the hydrogen.
Idk, the tech is all totally speculative anyway. maybe someday.
bemused_alligators@reddit
You aren't melting ice with hydrogen, you're melting it with fusion or solar, and then burning it to send things to mars
Strict_Difficulty656@reddit
hopefully someday. i believe we’ll get there.
hyrulepirate@reddit
I forgot if it was NASA or China, but I'm vaguely sure someone wanted to get on the moon just so they can mine it.
Wipperwill1@reddit
I get the argument.
I also am strongly reminded of Idiocracy when I read this. Also a good percent of the "Ask" subreddits too.
mainstreetmark@reddit
Launching from earth to mars is expensive. Launching from the moon is easier since once a month the moon throws whatever’s launched from it right at mars. Plus less launch weight.
00psadaisy@reddit
Good point. Why not colonise large deserts or even Antarctica
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Agreed.
True_Dimension4344@reddit
X games style.
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Exactly9
Psychotic_Breakdown@reddit
Let me tell you about Mars...
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Tell me about Uranus.
Pikawoohoo@reddit
Will humanity be bound to earth forever? Even in 100, 1000, 10000 years? If not, the moon is the first step.
IQ375983@reddit
Its also useful to have a base there bcs starting a rocket from moon is suuper easy compared to from earth. The lower gravity means that the same amount of fuel gets us much further away ... But then you also need to be able to build a rocket up there. A moonbase could be a stepping stone to mich further exploration.
tamesage@reddit
And we need this because....?
Dick__Marathon@reddit
And we need this more than a red bull dune buggy course because....?
FTFY
IQ375983@reddit
-There are multiple things that could wipe out all life on earth. Like asteroids, gamma ray bursts or even particularly bad volcanic eruptions. Colonizing other planets "hedges our bets" so at least some life survives.
-Defending against asteroids like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Our state of the art defense against those is monitoring space precisely so we spot them early enough. And once we see one on collision course with earth we basically have to push it off course using rockets. -> We need to get better at launching rockets -> getting a base on the moon that can produce and launch rockets would be tremendously helpful. ... and the threat of such asteroids is certain. Its "when" not "if".
-There are tons of valuable resources in space. The moon Titan has friggin lakes of oil. Asteroids rich in valuable metals like gold or platinum are floating around in space.
-Curiosity damn ... Soo many people want to explore space. See whats out there. Isnt astronaut one of those jobs that children always cite as what they want to be later? Maybe we find other civilizations out there.
Numerous-Match-1713@reddit
gamma ray burst will wipe out everything in this (inner) solar system, yes?
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
There is only one threat to the demise of mankind and it is mankind itself. You have been keeping up with history as well as current events right? As for Titan moon: 'Of which planet is it a satellite of?'. No need for sn answer, it's Saturn. And how do you propose getting there(Titan) first off considering it's not the only Saturn moon? Now, Saturn itself is rich in resources to travel through spacetime but give me a plausible explanation how one might mine it. The pland would float on water but is so volatile rings got created.. Do you see the hurdles? I do love dreaming and fantasizing but that's all it is. I'm no Jules Vernn..
quipstickle@reddit
The same reason we moved out of caves and sailed the ocean. You are free to stay behind 👋
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Please tell me you are joking, please!
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Fair comment..but it does fit 'CrazyIdeas..
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
How do you propose to build this? For one, it's not commercial. 2ndly, the amount of materials and your 'fuel' required is unsustainable. Basically imposdible to get it there. And finally. How do you propose to 'fuel' your hypothetical rockets in your hypothetical moonbase. Ow, i almost forgot.. Where to from the moon taking in to account that both the (i guess your) rocket, it's fuel and more materials have to be transported? Check, ya outerspace like watching Startrek. I will give it one way to 'possible'. Every Billionair, Trillionair and Oligarchs alike donate ALL there money to fund this. That day i will revisite my view/opinion. Damn, i just read about your 'lower' gravity..I'm just not going to there.. Not just the main idea but even the resonses fit the subreddit's "crazy"..
Far-Eagle7029@reddit
Actually We cannot live in the moon, it is full of Moon Dust, which is abbrasive and toxic to us, Niel and his mates came back to earth with the suit compromised
Blueopus2@reddit
We’ve only done extensive research in 0 and 1 G, the moon is by far the easiest place to research partial earth gravity for an extended time (more than a handful of minutes in a diving aircraft).
ack4@reddit
ah, i see what you need:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v21vRfsUL8
Numerous-Match-1713@reddit
Vacuum and dark side radio silence is pretty golden.
jckipps@reddit
Because the moon colony is a necessary first step to getting a moon race course.
I'm all for that race course idea, but there's quite a bit of infrastructure that needs to be developed there first. A consistent electricity supply, a dependable water reclamation system, protection from solar flares, etc.
Human-Mango8266@reddit
Same. 2087 me: I'm going to spend this weekend on the moon. Hitting the racetrack on Saturday and then hanging at the resort on Sunday.
blackwhattack@reddit
cool, dude don't brag ok
Human-Mango8266@reddit
You can come. I get the bed though
blackwhattack@reddit
i die in 2065, rare and unexpected heart issue :(
Human-Mango8266@reddit
You volunteered for the SOMA project back in 2054 so we uploaded your consciousness to a synthetic body after you died.
You still have to sleep on the floor though.
blackwhattack@reddit
"You have exceeded your weekly token limit" - my AI self when lying on the floor
Human-Mango8266@reddit
You have a gen one synth body, AI is a $1200 add on. I blew that on this moon trip.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Futile. Go back to your drawing board and really come up with a slightly credible way to undertake this effort. ✌️
Outback-Australian@reddit
"Why are you in the desert? There's no food!"
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Yes there is, just not on the moon. Unless the first step in colonising the moon is raising cattle..
Outback-Australian@reddit
It's a quote. Do you know what a quote needs to be?
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Where's the quote from? Dune? Forgive if i don't spend 80% of my time watching movies. What does a quote need to be? Accurate? Relevant? Blow my..mind.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Never mond, i just saw your username and i doubt it's random like mine. Show me your knife, mate. I need it to peel some shrimp.
Final-Teach-7353@reddit
Unless we've already colonized all available environments on Earth, including Antarctica, the Sahara and the bottom of the oceans, there's no reason to colonize any other planet.
Lusiric9983@reddit
That is a very short sighted thought.
hyrulepirate@reddit
Some may say it's a crazy idea
Lusiric9983@reddit
Not so much crazy as really short sighted.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Both diagnosis can co-exist..
Lusiric9983@reddit
I saw a different sub that would fit it better. r/shittyideas
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Sometimes they're crazy but often ignorant or delusional ideas 👍 Should i change subreddit or should i start a campaign to make them go to that subreddit...?
tamesage@reddit
We can't even take care of a place that meets all our needs. What makes anyone think we can live in a wasteland? Or want to?
TerrapinMagus@reddit
The Moon shouldn't be colonized, it should be Industrialized. Strip mine it, build big space things, launch anything important from there since it's a lot easier to get off of it.
me_too_999@reddit
Right now, AI isn't there yet. It will take some people to run it.
TerrapinMagus@reddit
I still think long term habitation on the moon isn't a great move. Remote operations from an orbiting satellite maybe, but the latency will be rough. Even if someone needs to be on site, it would be a small crew that cycles out at regular intervals. Not sure that can be called a colony though
me_too_999@reddit
That's the most likely.
Just like the space station and for the same reasons.
Colony implies self-sufficient, including food, reproduction and multiple generations.
Likely impossible for decades to hundreds of years.
Colonizing the USA took 300 years. The first colonies on the new world died completely.
TerrapinMagus@reddit
Also, the moon just sucks for perpetual living. Would be better to build a rotating habitat with fake gravity in orbit for long term habitation.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Ok, and what are you going to strip mine? Helium? The cost of the build up and first attempt will already outway the profits from the effort. Do yourself a favor and NEVER aspire to run a company.
TerrapinMagus@reddit
The idea isn't shipping materials to Earth, it's establishing essential manufacturing infrastructure independent of Earth's gravity well.
The point of mining on the Moon is to reduce any ridiculous logistics required to deliver resources from Earth or even Asteroid mining so that Lunar fabrication can be largely self sufficient.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
And that's what i am referring to as well. (Thx 4 da downvote). You really think the moon is a jumping stone to Spacetime?
me_too_999@reddit
That's an important first step that we haven't accomplished yet.
Chrome_Armadillo@reddit
They’re trying to turn attention back to Epstein to distract from the Iran war.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Epstein
FreedomsLastBreathe@reddit
In order to do that, you’d need to essentially colonize it
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Which is fysically and financially impossible. If NASA saw the comments here they would say: 'Yup, crazy.'
One_Recover_673@reddit
Cuz we are gonna pay min wage to the dude renting them and the helmets
confuus-duin@reddit
I’d probably rather have Nintendo sponsor it.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
😄
SeanFromQueens@reddit
Like deserts on earth should be turned into huge dune buggy race courses sponsored by Red Bull and abandon the moon? I think Red Bull can do that all by themselves, and NASA and the other space agencies can continue with their endeavors.
Carcosa_The_Knife@reddit
The moon is flat, anyways. You can look up and see it, if you need proof. /s
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Hmm, cheese is round and in 3D..beg your pardon.
BubbleBerryBabe@reddit
Low gravity drifting sounds cool until every crash sends you into a slow-motion regret moment.
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
Wheee. Bu bye 👋
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
That's the first short but intelligent comment i've read here.
Wurm42@reddit
Okay, no lunar colony. Just a base camp for the Red Bull Astro Dune Buggy League.
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Yes!
Wurm42@reddit
Can we mine some ice at the lunar South pole so we can have drinks & showers for the Lunar Buggy League spectators? And so we can sell them rocket fuel for the trip home?
monkeybawz@reddit
It'd be a giggle watching someone nitrous kit put them past escape velocity.
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Exactly!
PABLOPANDAJD@reddit
You lost me in the first half but regained my full support with the last sentence
ConspiracyParadox@reddit (OP)
Glad you're in!
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
2nd try. People thrive in deserts. Helium is the only useful minable element on the moon. The moon is slowly spiraling away from earth. Why do you think "murica created Artemis II or the Apollo program?
fingersCrossed it doesn't get deleted for 'poli tic al' reasons.. 🤞
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
My post got removed because i mentioned the motives behind the reason of the moon-races. Where has free speech gone? The comment actually didn't (stated reason) go po li ti cal. Contained no hatred, bigotry, shaming or even silly finger-pointing. Here's a prediction, Reddit is slowly auto-mut ala ting..
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
2nd try. People thrive in deserts. Helium is the only minable element there. The moon is slowly spiraling away from earth. Why do you think "murica created Artemis II or the Apollo program?
fingersCrossed 🤞
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
SentenceAwkward5302@reddit
My post got removed because i mentioned the motives behind the reason of the moon-races. Where has free speech gone? The comment actually didn't (stated reason) go po li ti cal. Contained no hatred, bigotry, shaming or even silly finger-pointing. Here's a prediction, Reddit is slowly auto-mut ala ting..
AutoModerator@reddit
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Sweet_Speech_9054@reddit
They had me in the first half.
BeastyBaiter@reddit
Welcome to the 27th annual red bull monster derby at the Verizon Comcast lunar megatrack brought to you by United Healthcare!
TSiQ1618@reddit
there's money to be made on the moon, Vice money, super rich people Vegas money. What hapens on the Moon stays on the Moon.
XROOR@reddit
Whenever I see someone as the main character in a Red Bull event, it’s going to be mind blowing.
OlyScott@reddit
If Red Bull is making enough money to sponsor race courses on the moon, I need to get into the energy drink business. Where's the kerosene?
Minimum-Attitude389@reddit
This also works for Utah.