What follows is a portion of the final report of

a NASA summer study, conducted in 1980 by request of newly-

elected President Jimmy Carter at a cost of 11.7 million dollars.

The result of the study was a realistic proposal for a self-replicating

automated lunar factory system, capable of exponentially

increasing productive capacity and, in the long run,

exploration of the entire galaxy within a reasonable

timeframe. Unfortunately, the proposal was quietly declined

with barely a ripple in the press.

What was once concievable with 1980's technology

is now even more practical today. Even if you're just skimming

through this document, the potential of this proposed system

is undeniable. Please enjoy.

Complete hard copies of this study are available from the

National Technical Information Service.

Web version last upgraded June 25, 1999.

Advanced Automation for Space Missions

Edited by

Robert A. Freitas, Jr.

Space Initiative/XRI

Santa Clara, California

William P. Gilbreath

NASA Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, California

Proceedings of the 1980 NASA/ASEE Summer Study

Sponsored by the National Aeronautics and

Space Administration and the American Society for Engineering Education

Held at the University of Santa Clara

Santa Clara, California

June 23-August 29, 1980

NASA Conference Publication 2255

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Scientific and Technical Information Branch, 1982

The painting above was created by Mr. Rick Guidice. It captures the spirit of the space missions described in this study. In the center of the picture are human beings who, we believe, will continue to play a controlling role in future space missions. To the right of the circle are two space systems representing a partially automated Space Manufacturing Facility which would eventually utilize nonterrestrial resources. In the upper-right corner is Saturn attended by its largest natural satellite Titan, the proposed destination of our advanced space-exploration mission. The upper-left corner depicts the deepest reaches of the Cosmos that humans someday may explore. At center left is the Earth, which is under intensive study by an intelligent Earth sensing information system that is able to obtain and deliver data in a far more effective manner than present-day methods. In the lower left corner, a lunar manufacturing facility rises from the surface of the Moon. Someday, such a factory might replicate itself, or at least produce most of its own components, so that the number of facilities could grow very rapidly from a single seed.

Table Of Contents

Next