Re: starship-design: Re: Does a one-way mission need mining?

[Kelly St <KellySt@aol.com>]

In a message dated 1/3/98 12:58:09 PM, TLG.van.der.Linden@tip.nl wrote:

>To Lee and Kelly,
>
>At the moment I've not much more to add to this subject. The next is about
>what I can conclude of the discussions about mining vs. recycling.
>
>* Manufacturing and refining equipment are always necessary.

Probably true, thou different missions would need considerably differnt
amounts.

>* Mining is only possible during in system stay.

True.

>* Recycling can be done at any time.
>* Some form of recycling equipment has to be on the ship anyhow.
>* Recycling combined with storing substances in the shield may make mining
>  unnecessary. (#)

These I have a bit of problem with.  Recycling has proven difficult and
resource consuptive, and should probably be minimized to save weight and
materials.   Also its often far easier and less resource consuptive to mine
replacement material, then to recycle used.

>* Some form of mining equipment has to be on the ship if (#) is impossible. 
>* Finding relative easy accessable ores may be timeconsuming and
specialistic.

We should have a good idea of the desired orebearing asteroids before we go on
the flight, though we'ld probably need a separte minning team.

>* Recycling is relatively constant and with little surprises.

Big disagre.

>Timothy

Kelly