Clark Lindsey has compiled a list of links to reviews of the book, and interviews with the author.
One thought on “Packing For Mars”
Nothing works as it’s supposed to in zero gravity. “Even something as simple as a fuse,” astronaut Chris Hadfield told me, mistaking me for someone who knows how a fuse works. Now I know: Fuses have a metal strip that melts in response to a surplus in current. The molten bit drips away, leaving a gap that interrupts the power flow. Without gravity, the droplet doesn’t drip, so the power continues to flow until the metal boils, by which time the equipment has fried.
Imagine an engineering firm based in space. They will get an institutional knowledge that will give them a huge advantage over those designing space stuff here on earth.
The same for people living on low gravity worlds. Hell, even is South Dakota you learn not to let the mop touch the baseboards when the outside temperature is below zero. For kids growing up in a space settlement it will become second nature.
Nothing works as it’s supposed to in zero gravity. “Even something as simple as a fuse,” astronaut Chris Hadfield told me, mistaking me for someone who knows how a fuse works. Now I know: Fuses have a metal strip that melts in response to a surplus in current. The molten bit drips away, leaving a gap that interrupts the power flow. Without gravity, the droplet doesn’t drip, so the power continues to flow until the metal boils, by which time the equipment has fried.
Imagine an engineering firm based in space. They will get an institutional knowledge that will give them a huge advantage over those designing space stuff here on earth.
The same for people living on low gravity worlds. Hell, even is South Dakota you learn not to let the mop touch the baseboards when the outside temperature is below zero. For kids growing up in a space settlement it will become second nature.