Speculation alert
In the last post, the problem how to handle nuclear waste was discussed. What was overlooked was that it uses so little fuel that the amount of waste is not nearly so critical as thought. Consequently, the idea to use a LFTR in space cannot be eliminated on that basis alone.
The artificial gravity proposition seems good too, because lunar levels of artificial gravity can be achieved at a small scale. For example, at a radius of 35 meters, and an RPM of only 2, an artificial gravity roughly equal to the moon can be attained. In the scheme put forward so far, that would mean 7 tubes of 10 meters each could be constructed. It could be spun up at only 2 RPM for the lunar gravity emulation. This can coincide with human tolerance of 2 RPM, so a crew can reside at the opposite end of the device.
But this is all theoretical since a LFTR does not yet exist. But plans do exist to fire up one by 2015. These could range in size from 20-50 MW, which could fit with the ideas expressed here. A 20 MW should not be all that big, since it has been claimed that a 100 MW plant could fit on an 18 wheeler. So a 20 MW should be significantly smaller. Probably small enough to be put on a rocket and blasted into space. It could also launched with the tubes to make the tether and all the materials needed to get it fired up and producing energy. Crew can be launched separately--- perhaps as a Bigelow space hab. The hab will be attached at one end and the LFTR at the other.
How to get to an asteroid? With 20 MW of power, a VASIMR may be employed. At 20 MW, the power source would be 10 times what is envisioned for the VASIMR as a space tug between the Earth and Moon. Presumably, that would give the necessary thrust for a deep space mission.
Update:
Next in Series, Part 8
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