In a message dated 4/6/2007 11:16:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
no_reply@yahoogroups.com writes:

> Why would you use an on orbit construction of a 'spaceship' instead of an
> Apollo style module that lands directly on the surface with a pre flown return
> module waiting and fueled with Martian air? The time, complexity, and costs
> would seem to dramatically favor the later. Especially since most of the
> hardware is on shelf or adjusted current hardware not completely new
> technology.

Brooks, that is a very good question and one which we have spent many hours
cussing and discussing.

What is our actual purpose and how do we insure a success in our decision?
Our effort is to establish a permanent human presence somewhere else that
will not soon be abandoned. We will make no plans for a return to Earth for at
least 20 years.
We also realize that this may be a one time shot.
It will be hard enough to do anything and if we are going to put out the
effort we want to make the most of it. If there is any chance to establish
humans
on another planet, this may be the only chance we ever get.
When we do go, we are not assured that there will be money or interest to
make a second trip. Even under the scenario that you suggest. Your concept is a
common one. A hit and run venture that in the long run may end like Apollo.
Our concept is to do or die trying.

> How would they not need resupply except for fuel and people? Fuel would
> seem the easiest to resupply from in situ resources. And why would you want
to
> be in space instead of on the surface of planetary bodies? All the
> resources, science, safety, gravity, etc., are on planetary bodies (moons and
> asteroids included).

Again you are thinking like almost every one else, especially government
people. We are not going to do a hit and run.
We are going to establish a colony on Mars or we are going to do nothing but
dream.
To date there are only 2 legitimate efforts to do this. The 4 Frontiers Corp.
<http://www.4frontierscorp.com/> based in New Port Richey, FL.
The other is 1000 Planets, Inc. <http://www.1000Planets.com/> with offices in
Leesburg, FL and Owasso, OK.
While there are places where I disagree with the 4 Frontiers approach I may
have to eventually join them in the effort.

We know enough, we have the right tools, equipment and people If we would go
ahead and do what we can do instead of wasting all this money on wasted
efforts we could have a real civilization on two planets within 100 years.

> But what is the current plan for refueling? Mars is relatively straight
> forward, bring H2, convert CO2 and H2 into CH4 and LOX.

The straight forward answer would be "THERE ARE NONE" but that would only be
a small portion of the real answer. Our efforts would only be concentrated on
the idea of surviving, not leaving.

> Why would 7 different methods be needed to provided electricity and fuel,
> this would seem to increase complexity and cost, while reducing reliability as
> it is unlikely they are all in current use in space to test reliability?

Once again we are planing on staying, not leaving. We will use every type of
method of generating power so that we can expand the colony using local
resources. You are stuck on the hit and run idea, I am stuck on the idea of
living
there. I cannot answer your questions further on this because I refuse to think
on answers that will suffice.

> Is it in your plan though?

Yes, but we will be able to survive without resupply or further additions
from Earth. There would never be any guarantee that there would be a second ship
or anyone else who would come our way for several hundred years, if ever. We
have had to plan for the eventually that once there, we would be the only ones.


> The question remains how will you pay for it?

We have a few plans, but we are exploring any option we can think of. I have
a file of more than 100 pages of ideas that other people have put forward but
I have one of my own that has not really been discussed.
Each Colonist will pay for the privilege. That payment could be as much as
$50 million each. Some where I have a detail of this but I cannot find it right
now. I may have to re write it.

> Brooks
>
Thanks for the questions. Any hit and run effort will be a waste of
resources. Such can better be done by machines.
I, 1000 Planets, Inc. and 4 Frontiers are interested in settlement. I really
will not discuss hit and runs because they will ever provide and real
advancement.

John Wayne


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