Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

The Future in Space: An Environmental View

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Some Thoughts on Making Space More Attractive:

In the 1960s, space was special. People eagerly watched for news about the brave astronauts. Today, much of the news about space is a footnote. People often see no advantage in space exploration. The future of space exploration is flickering and not as bright as it once was.

Why has space lost its luster? The old saying “Familiarity breeds contempt.” probably sums up a large part of it. People have become too accustomed to the almost routine nature of the launches. It was easier to get excited when there were only seven astronauts. Today there are hundreds.

Perhaps we should focus our sites on the benefits we receive and will receive from space.

Satellite communication allows almost instantaneous communication around the world.
Survey satellites allow detailed monitoring of such vital information as air temperature, water temperature, natural resources and weather. Using this data we can evaluate the rate of global climate change and potentially undo any damage we have done.
The GPS network of satellites allow us to know where we are, what time it is, and how fast we are moving.
Microgravity experiments on the International Space Station are leading to discoveries about living things and are contributing to the development of new materials and drugs that can’t be made on Earth.
Helium-3 is found on the moon. This is the key to successful fusion power generation. Fusion power using helium-3 produces little to no radioactive waste and a tremendous amount of power with no carbon dioxide emissions. As such, helium-3 is worth more than any substance known to humankind.
The proposed opening of space to tourism in 2009 by Virgin Galactic will make space travel available to more than the extremely rich.

The benefits of continued space exploration far outweigh the costs. The researches spawned by this venture help us protect the environment and ultimately may lead to the key to our survival.

Richard Moolick
Global Enviroblog

Tags: global climate change, helium-3, lunar exploration, micro-gravity, natural resources, new materials, pharaceuticals, space exploration, sustainable
Posted in Education, Environment, Healthcare, Technology, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Driving Away From Petroleum

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

The technology exists today for America to wean itself off foreign oil. There are multiple processes and technologies that don’t use petroleum. Let’s take a look at these technologies and how they can be used to reduce our addiction to foreign oil, today.

Biodiesel is one technology that we can use immediately. I know, you’ve heard how using biodiesel will cause food shortages. Biodiesel doesn’t have to be made from corn. It can be made easily from algae or many other crops that have limited value as food. Diesel engines can run on biodiesel without conversion. Currently, most biodiesel is made from soybeans or corn. A small amount of biodiesel is made from used vegetable oil. Making biodiesel is almost as simple as making soap. And as a fuel, biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Ethanol is another option. Ethanol can be made from any source of glucose. While corn, rice and other grains are excellent sources, some fungi and bacteria can break down cellulose into sugars. A system using such organisms to break down straw, grass, bagasse and other non-food products into glucose and further fermenting the glucose into ethanol will not endanger any food supply. Using wind or solar power to vacuum distill the ethanol can make the process completely independent of petroleum.

A third readily available escape from petroleum is the use of hydrogen. The excuse we all hear is that hydrogen refill stations aren’t generally available. There is a way around this dilemma. Two companies I know of exist that have technologies that would let a person with a hydrogen fuel cell car fill up almost anywhere. Ecotality Inc. and AlGalCo LLC have developed systems that convert water into hydrogen on demand. If these technologies are combined with the Hypercar® technology of Fiberforge and the high output lithium ion batteries being developed by Mitsubishi for its EV program, a car could be produced that has no carbon footprint, can be refueled anywhere, can travel large distances and can be as responsive as a high performance car.

Next time you face the skyrocketing prices at the gas pump, keep in mind that there are ways to enjoy a love of driving without being the victim of astronomical gas prices. Tell your local, state and national lawmakers to help move this country away from foreign oil.

Richard T. Moolick