The Quest to Build a Telescope on the Moon
Lunar Resources plans to build the FarView radio telescope on the moon's far side, featuring 100,000 antennas. The project aims to advance astronomical research and demonstrate off-planet resource utilization.
Read original article
Lunar Resources, a startup based in Houston, aims to construct the FarView radio telescope on the moon's far side, which would be the largest telescope in the solar system. This project not only seeks to advance astronomical research but also serves as a test for off-planet mining and manufacturing, known as in-situ resource utilization (I.S.R.U.). The telescope would consist of around 100,000 antennas made on-site by autonomous robots, covering an area equivalent to Baltimore. It aims to detect radio waves from the Cosmic Dark Ages, a period shortly after the universe's formation. The project, which could take over a decade and cost upwards of $2 billion, is part of a broader vision for lunar infrastructure that could support future space exploration and economic activities. Lunar Resources has partnered with various scientists and universities to develop the telescope's design and has received funding from NASA. The success of FarView could pave the way for lunar mining operations, potentially extracting resources like helium for fusion reactors and water for rocket fuel. The initiative reflects a growing interest in utilizing the moon's resources to support human activities in space, with projections suggesting a lunar economy could be worth $170 billion by 2040.
- Lunar Resources plans to build the FarView radio telescope on the moon's far side.
- The telescope will consist of 100,000 antennas made by autonomous robots.
- The project aims to demonstrate off-planet mining and manufacturing capabilities.
- FarView could detect radio waves from the Cosmic Dark Ages, enhancing our understanding of the universe.
- The lunar economy is projected to be worth $170 billion by 2040, driven by resource utilization.
Related
Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans
Scientists found a deep cave on the Moon, possibly for human habitation. Formed by ancient lava flows, it offers insights into lunar history. Exploration methods could aid Mars research for signs of past life.
Radar evidence of accessible Moon cave conduit below Mare Tranquillitatis pit
Researchers found radar evidence of a cave conduit on the Moon under Mare Tranquillitatis pit. The discovery suggests a potential lunar base site offering shelter for human exploration. Data is openly accessible for research.
A high energy hadron collider on the Moon
A proposed Circular Collider on the Moon could achieve collision energies of 14 PeV, surpassing the LHC, and may advance high-energy particle physics research with support from lunar exploration organizations.
Lunarsaber: Statue of Liberty-sized streetlights form Moon power grid
Honeybee Robotics proposed LUNARSABER, a lunar power and communications grid with self-deploying towers that harness solar energy, store it, and beam it to equipment, pending NASA's Artemis mission timeline.
China Proposes Magnetic Launch System for Sending Resources Back to Earth
China's Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering proposed a magnetic launch system to transport helium-3 from the Moon, costing $18.25 billion, with potential annual revenues of 100 billion yuan.
- Many commenters express doubts about the technological capabilities required for autonomous construction and mining on the moon.
- Questions arise regarding the practical aspects of operating a radio telescope on the moon, such as aiming and functionality.
- Some users highlight the advantages of a lunar telescope, such as reduced radio interference compared to Earth-based telescopes.
- Concerns about the project's viability and potential for investor exploitation are raised.
- There is a general interest in lunar exploration as a more achievable goal compared to Mars missions.
15 commentsTFA also left out that it's not only going to be a PoC for autonomous mining and manufacturing, but also autonomous refining. When the Toyota corporation built my car they didn't start with unrefined steel ore. I don't even know how they're going to do that in a vacuum where there's no fires and no convection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcR6gs0Up6k
Interview with Gerard van Belle, director or the Lowell Observatory.
The topic was space/lunar optical interferometers. It's easier to do this on the Moon than in space, as there's no formation flying. He's got a "menu" of projects from a few/small unit telescopes right up to lunar manufacturing like this.
* https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/niac2020_ban...
* https://www.nasa.gov/general/lunar-crater-radio-telescope-lc...
That should avoid all the Radio Interference that plagues Earth Based Radio Telescopes.
How do you aim that thing at a specific point in the sky?
Stop. Right. There. Time to read A City on Mars: https://www.acityonmars.com/
This is quickly turning into a pipe dream. Someone is letting their imagination run away.
There simply isn't enough water on the moon to make hydrogen / oxygen for deep space travel.
Ah yes, the 'ole investor pump and dump. Get a bunch of people excited enough to give you millions, make enough to retire and then just disappear in a whiff.
Related
Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans
Scientists found a deep cave on the Moon, possibly for human habitation. Formed by ancient lava flows, it offers insights into lunar history. Exploration methods could aid Mars research for signs of past life.
Radar evidence of accessible Moon cave conduit below Mare Tranquillitatis pit
Researchers found radar evidence of a cave conduit on the Moon under Mare Tranquillitatis pit. The discovery suggests a potential lunar base site offering shelter for human exploration. Data is openly accessible for research.
A high energy hadron collider on the Moon
A proposed Circular Collider on the Moon could achieve collision energies of 14 PeV, surpassing the LHC, and may advance high-energy particle physics research with support from lunar exploration organizations.
Lunarsaber: Statue of Liberty-sized streetlights form Moon power grid
Honeybee Robotics proposed LUNARSABER, a lunar power and communications grid with self-deploying towers that harness solar energy, store it, and beam it to equipment, pending NASA's Artemis mission timeline.
China Proposes Magnetic Launch System for Sending Resources Back to Earth
China's Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering proposed a magnetic launch system to transport helium-3 from the Moon, costing $18.25 billion, with potential annual revenues of 100 billion yuan.