Stable Super Heavy Metal: The Future of Element 115 – TheBorg: Round 1 Opening
I would like to take this chance to thank The Vagabond for this opportunity to pit myself against some of the best minds on ATS on a subject of
interest to myself and others involved in science. Also, I’d like to thank semperfortis for another opportunity to “lock horns”. There’s no
one I like to spar with more. Again, thanks to both of you.
Now onto the issue of the day. This is an issue that I find extremely important to our expansion into the cosmos. It is my opinion that element 115
has all the earmarks of an element stable enough to handle the rigors of space travel. Should it be discovered in a more stable form, then maybe it
could be harnessed, and added as an alloy to the next space shuttle’s exterior. This is but one possible use for this new element. To better grasp
the importance of this element, we’ll need to understand a theoretical concept called the “Island of Stability”.
The basis for the Island of Stability lies in the stable numbers, or “magic numbers”, as they’re referred to, of protons and neutrons in each
element’s nucleus. If the numbers of protons and neutrons are in the magic series, then the element that it composes is more likely to be stable for
a longer period of time. This means that the half-life of the element will be longer, which means that it takes longer for it to break apart into its
component elements. The hope is that scientists will be able to find a stable form of element 115, and exploit it to aid us in space travel.
I believe this is likely, as we have all of the technology that we need to get this element in a stable form. It was discovered in 2004, and since
then, scientists everywhere have been in search of a more stable form of it, as it’s only been reported to stay in existence for no more than 1.5
seconds before breaking down into its smaller, more stable sub-elements.
The most immediate draw for this and other elements though is the possibility of a super-dense substance that could be used in small quantities to
protect our astronauts while they’re traveling in space. The cost could be kept down if a way to use only a small amount of the substance to
reinforce our current spacesuits can be found. Should that be the case, we could stay in space for longer, making our trips more productive, as well
as more economical.
The likelihood of discovering some useful characteristic in element 115 is assured. Humans have adapted everything they’ve found, regardless of
it’s hazards to health, to be usable by them in some form or fashion. It’s only a matter of time until element 115 is added to this list.
TheBorg
Round 1. TheBorg v. semperfortis: SuperHeavy Metal, page
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reply posted on 12-8-2007 @ 01:04 AM by TheBorg
Stable Super Heavy Metal: The Future of Element 115 – TheBorg: Reply 2
I would first like to apologize for my absence with my first reply. Life threw me a fastball that left me no time but to spend a couple of minutes doing any one thing. It appears though that my very esteemed opponent has been hard at work making a very convincing argument for his cause. I will now reply to a few of his statements.
Regardless of the amounts of time being speculated on here, the point is that the uses for this new element will yield new developments in design of the shuttle and all of its components. Whether the space trip is 2 months or 3 years is irrelevant to whether this element will do what is being speculated on. If it could be made to simply protect our astronauts until they can make it to the moon, then it will have been worth it, as they will have something with which they can depend to get them to and from locations in space. I really fail to see how the periods of time apply here.
I would at this time like to point out the question that we were faced with at the beginning of this debate:
Now, this precludes everything that we discuss herein. The facts of this element are very limited, as it’s only been observed twice, and only then for 1.5 seconds at the longest. As most can guess, not much information can be gathered from this short of an observation. Also, the question that this debate is centered around implies that we speculate as to the likelihood of this element becoming of some use to us. So to say that we must accept certain criteria to move on in a debate about something with very limited information is limiting in and of itself.
The only thing that anyone must accept here is that this new element has been observed, and that it’s super-dense. Anymore information is at best speculation, as none of it has yet to be substantiated by anyone. Again, the question implies speculation.
With that said, I would like to point out that the nearest verified elements to 115 that has a use that could be very valuable to space-faring peoples is Curium, element number 96. According to Corrosion Source, this element has exhibited properties that could be useful as a power source. It occurs naturally in very small quantities in Uranium, and has a charge of about 1W per gram. This is but one example of what one element near 115 can do. We can do nothing but speculate as to what new, very important uses 115 has in store for us.
Space suit enhancements and shuttle structural upgrades may not be a valid use for this new element, but as has been said, these are mere speculations. The next speculation that I’d like to suggest is that perhaps, this new element may be the element that we discover has some ability to create a shell, likened to an atmosphere, around itself. Remember now that it is super-dense, and that means that this element has a lot of free-moving electrons. If they could be harnessed and controlled to some limited degree, perhaps we could learn to create a space shield out of it to block the gamma rays from the Sun that we encounter every time that we travel, all without putting our astronauts in harm’s way.
Maybe not space wear, but it may be what gets us from one point to another. In addition to my previous speculations, perhaps it can be used as a propellant. Since it’s already very volatile, we could use it as a source of fuel for a new type of rocket propulsion. The development of such technology would benefit all who use it. It would be perfect to go long distances, as it gets faster as it goes further.
Which, in and of itself, is all that we can do at this point, no? The point that needs to be made is that without more information, everything that we debate on this will be based entirely on speculation, as there is no information to tell us what to make of it. However, we’ve been given hints that would suggest what this element could be capable of, with the nearby elements of Curium and Uranium. True, all of them are radioactive, but we use radioactive materials all of the time for fuels. This one could be no different. The likelihood that we’ll discover a way to make it useful to the space program is almost assured, since that’s the next logical step for humanity. All attention will be paid to getting out there.
In my next reply, I will elaborate on what impacts these technologies will have on all of us.
TheBorg
I would first like to apologize for my absence with my first reply. Life threw me a fastball that left me no time but to spend a couple of minutes doing any one thing. It appears though that my very esteemed opponent has been hard at work making a very convincing argument for his cause. I will now reply to a few of his statements.
… no thought is being included as to a propulsion system, vehicle or environmental system that could sustain, propel and service an astronaut for the periods of time necessary to traverse the distances being speculated on.
Regardless of the amounts of time being speculated on here, the point is that the uses for this new element will yield new developments in design of the shuttle and all of its components. Whether the space trip is 2 months or 3 years is irrelevant to whether this element will do what is being speculated on. If it could be made to simply protect our astronauts until they can make it to the moon, then it will have been worth it, as they will have something with which they can depend to get them to and from locations in space. I really fail to see how the periods of time apply here.
Any debate on Element 115 must, by default include, the factual relevant current information available, such as:
I would at this time like to point out the question that we were faced with at the beginning of this debate:
"It is likely that Element 115 will be found to have properties which make it useful to advanced space travel".
Now, this precludes everything that we discuss herein. The facts of this element are very limited, as it’s only been observed twice, and only then for 1.5 seconds at the longest. As most can guess, not much information can be gathered from this short of an observation. Also, the question that this debate is centered around implies that we speculate as to the likelihood of this element becoming of some use to us. So to say that we must accept certain criteria to move on in a debate about something with very limited information is limiting in and of itself.
The only thing that anyone must accept here is that this new element has been observed, and that it’s super-dense. Anymore information is at best speculation, as none of it has yet to be substantiated by anyone. Again, the question implies speculation.
With that said, I would like to point out that the nearest verified elements to 115 that has a use that could be very valuable to space-faring peoples is Curium, element number 96. According to Corrosion Source, this element has exhibited properties that could be useful as a power source. It occurs naturally in very small quantities in Uranium, and has a charge of about 1W per gram. This is but one example of what one element near 115 can do. We can do nothing but speculate as to what new, very important uses 115 has in store for us.
Space suit enhancements and shuttle structural upgrades may not be a valid use for this new element, but as has been said, these are mere speculations. The next speculation that I’d like to suggest is that perhaps, this new element may be the element that we discover has some ability to create a shell, likened to an atmosphere, around itself. Remember now that it is super-dense, and that means that this element has a lot of free-moving electrons. If they could be harnessed and controlled to some limited degree, perhaps we could learn to create a space shield out of it to block the gamma rays from the Sun that we encounter every time that we travel, all without putting our astronauts in harm’s way.
My opponent speaks of Element 115, in his opinion, having the properties to “Handle the Rigors of Space Travel.” I would be seriously interested in the science behind such a statement. A few atoms existing for a scant few nano-seconds can hardly be the future of “space wear.”
Maybe not space wear, but it may be what gets us from one point to another. In addition to my previous speculations, perhaps it can be used as a propellant. Since it’s already very volatile, we could use it as a source of fuel for a new type of rocket propulsion. The development of such technology would benefit all who use it. It would be perfect to go long distances, as it gets faster as it goes further.
Even if scientists are able to sustain a stable form of 115, there is no current way of ascertaining the properties of that element at this point. Anything else is pure speculation or hopeful pondering.
Which, in and of itself, is all that we can do at this point, no? The point that needs to be made is that without more information, everything that we debate on this will be based entirely on speculation, as there is no information to tell us what to make of it. However, we’ve been given hints that would suggest what this element could be capable of, with the nearby elements of Curium and Uranium. True, all of them are radioactive, but we use radioactive materials all of the time for fuels. This one could be no different. The likelihood that we’ll discover a way to make it useful to the space program is almost assured, since that’s the next logical step for humanity. All attention will be paid to getting out there.
In my next reply, I will elaborate on what impacts these technologies will have on all of us.
TheBorg
reply posted on 12-8-2007 @ 09:02 PM by semperfortis
Super Heavy Metal
Continued
Semper’s Second Reply:
Response to TheBorg posting.
My opponent’s optimism is admirable although somewhat misplaced or perhaps premature is a better analogy. Many elements have been discovered throughout the ages that have yielded wonderful advances in many areas of science, not simply the science of space travel. To proclaim without reservation that this element “will” produce anything that assists us in our space program is pure speculation with no foundation in fact.
At least here my opponent did use “if” to preface the fantasy. However he continues to fantasize about some role this element may play in a real life application; the same element that has only ever existed for seconds after years of applying our best science. The fact remains that many in the scientific community are still not convinced that this will ever be anything more than an oddity.
Examining the “likelihood” of any subject in a debate does not include specifically relegating that subject to a real life task. The element is interesting and I am sure as time progresses will produce more results that are also interesting. It is simply too early to assign this element to a role in space travel.
The source quoted indicated that Curium produces one half watt per gram of thermal energy.
www.corrosionsource.com...
The key word here being suggests. At that current power production, it may be used to power the flashlights if there can be a way discovered to protect against the incredible toxicity of Curium.
According to the same source, the maximum permissible body burden for humans is 0.3 microcure, and it is accumulative.
The remainder of my opponents post is simply more speculation and little about the element itself.
As any conversation about the uses of Element 115 must be speculation, I submit that the actual application of this element in space travel is more fantasy than fact and negates any scientific hypothesis that made be made at this time.
Robert Scott Lazar.
Claims to have worked in an area called S4 as a physicist; he also however claims to have degrees from California and Massachusetts, neither of which can be verified. There also exists a W2 form for Mr. Lazar from the time when he claims to have worked at this very secret facility.
With that established Mr. Lazar claims that he was given military briefings on the history of extraterrestrial beings and our involvement and the use of Element 115 as a source of propulsion and in Anti Gravity use as well.
R.S.Lazar
All of Mr. Lazars claims are fascinating and fun reading, but I would suggest caution in any serious consideration as to the reality of the science behind his postulations. Mr. Lazar is apparently currently occupied in the production of fireworks and the coordination of something called “The Desert Blast.” Perhaps we should go back to the science behind Element 115 and leave the fantasy where it belongs.
I will reiterate my position here again.
This debate is titled: "It is likely that Element 115 will be found to have properties which make it useful to advanced space travel".
Having only experienced a life of a little over a second, one time in a laboratory; I would suggest that science indicates it is “NOT” likely that Element 115 will have properties that are useful to space travel, or anything specific at this time.
Thank You
Semper
Continued
Semper’s Second Reply:
Response to TheBorg posting.
Regardless of the amounts of time being speculated on here, the point is that the uses for this new element will yield new developments in design of the shuttle and all of its components.
My opponent’s optimism is admirable although somewhat misplaced or perhaps premature is a better analogy. Many elements have been discovered throughout the ages that have yielded wonderful advances in many areas of science, not simply the science of space travel. To proclaim without reservation that this element “will” produce anything that assists us in our space program is pure speculation with no foundation in fact.
If it could be made to simply protect our astronauts until they can make it to the moon, then it will have been worth it, as they will have something with which they can depend to get them to and from locations in space
At least here my opponent did use “if” to preface the fantasy. However he continues to fantasize about some role this element may play in a real life application; the same element that has only ever existed for seconds after years of applying our best science. The fact remains that many in the scientific community are still not convinced that this will ever be anything more than an oddity.
Also, the question that this debate is centered around implies that we speculate as to the likelihood of this element becoming of some use to us. So to say that we must accept certain criteria to move on in a debate about something with very limited information is limiting in and of itself.
Examining the “likelihood” of any subject in a debate does not include specifically relegating that subject to a real life task. The element is interesting and I am sure as time progresses will produce more results that are also interesting. It is simply too early to assign this element to a role in space travel.
the nearest verified elements to 115 that has a use that could be very valuable to space-faring peoples is Curium, element number 96. According to Corrosion Source, this element has exhibited properties that could be useful as a power source.
The source quoted indicated that Curium produces one half watt per gram of thermal energy.
www.corrosionsource.com...
• 242 Cm generates about three watts of thermal energy per gram.
• This compares to one-half watt per gram of 238Pu.
• This suggests use for curium as a power source.
The key word here being suggests. At that current power production, it may be used to power the flashlights if there can be a way discovered to protect against the incredible toxicity of Curium.
According to the same source, the maximum permissible body burden for humans is 0.3 microcure, and it is accumulative.
The remainder of my opponents post is simply more speculation and little about the element itself.
As any conversation about the uses of Element 115 must be speculation, I submit that the actual application of this element in space travel is more fantasy than fact and negates any scientific hypothesis that made be made at this time.
Robert Scott Lazar.
Claims to have worked in an area called S4 as a physicist; he also however claims to have degrees from California and Massachusetts, neither of which can be verified. There also exists a W2 form for Mr. Lazar from the time when he claims to have worked at this very secret facility.
With that established Mr. Lazar claims that he was given military briefings on the history of extraterrestrial beings and our involvement and the use of Element 115 as a source of propulsion and in Anti Gravity use as well.
R.S.Lazar
All of Mr. Lazars claims are fascinating and fun reading, but I would suggest caution in any serious consideration as to the reality of the science behind his postulations. Mr. Lazar is apparently currently occupied in the production of fireworks and the coordination of something called “The Desert Blast.” Perhaps we should go back to the science behind Element 115 and leave the fantasy where it belongs.
I will reiterate my position here again.
This debate is titled: "It is likely that Element 115 will be found to have properties which make it useful to advanced space travel".
Having only experienced a life of a little over a second, one time in a laboratory; I would suggest that science indicates it is “NOT” likely that Element 115 will have properties that are useful to space travel, or anything specific at this time.
Thank You
Semper
reply posted on 13-8-2007 @ 09:27 PM by TheBorg
Stable Super Heavy Metal: The Future of Element 115 – TheBorg: Reply 3
In this reply, I am going to answer some of the points made by my opponent, as well as to elaborate on the potential impacts of element 115 in space travel.
Quite the opposite is true. My opponent suggests here that any new discovery wouldn’t immediately be used in space travel, when every newly discovered technology is pitted against what we need in space and elsewhere. Whether it’s a better electrical system, or something as simple as a more efficient insulator, NASA looks into all of them for use in the Space Program. So, to say that this element wouldn’t be analyzed for it’s usefulness in space travel would be negligent in any regard.
According to www.uic.com.au..., Uranium was discovered in 1789. Only in recent years did man learn to harness Uranium’s natural abilities to use it for energy generation. Do we now assume that the likelihood of such a discovery is not going to happen in the near future, based on what we know now of element 115? I highly doubt it.
On the contrary, we should be examining the possibilities of this element’s being useable in some fashion with the missions coming in the next 20 years. This element represents the best opportunity to capitalize on a very rare fuel for the interests of the expansion into space. To deny the obvious potential impacts of this element would not be wise.
We must accept the fact that we will have to be venturing into space within at least the next one hundred years. Should we expect to make any long term plans to remain out there, we’ll need to evaluate new discoveries as they come out to make the best use of them. To shut element 115 out just because so little is known about it means that we could be preventing ourselves from making a discovery that could revolutionize space travel altogether. We stand at a unique point; one that can go one of two directions. We can either embrace the possibility that this element will yield something good for us and explore it further, or we can just throw it away, and accept that it’s nothing “more than an oddity.”
My opponent then goes on to speak about Bob Lazar. While he even admits that his stories are just that, stories, he entertains them as being of interest. While I find myself agreeing with this assessment of Bob Lazar, I’m also wondering what the point to his mentioning it was. Perhaps he was privy to information that no one else was. Bear in mind however, that Mr. Lazar has yet to be proven to be in the employ of the US Government at any point whatsoever. We’re taking his word on this. Should that proof come to light, then extra consideration and weight should be given to his words.
In my last post, I mentioned that I would:
Having described several possible uses for element 115, the question comes to mind, “how will this benefit humankind?” Well, to answer that is a bit of a tough question, with no more information than we currently have. When we at some point discover that 115 has a use that we can utilize for the advancement of all of mankind, then it will be brought into public eye as a new resource. Until then though, the verdict is out. Will it be useful to humans in any respect? Yes, I believe it will. It has potential to become the next Uranium for a new generation of space travelers. We are about to witness the advancement of man into the cosmos, and it will be even more of a momentous occasion to have element 115 along for the ride.
This element may be what we need to create a new fuel, which will change the economies of the world, and anywhere that we go from here. The impacts can be as varied as they are many. When it’s discovered to be useful to us, we’ll be able to market it to others, which will help with foreign relations. While any thoughts on this element are preliminary, it could be the element that brings world peace. It has the potential to become something that no one even imagined it being. The hard part now is the wait.
I look forward to the day that element 115 is brought forward.
TheBorg
In this reply, I am going to answer some of the points made by my opponent, as well as to elaborate on the potential impacts of element 115 in space travel.
To proclaim without reservation that this element “will” produce anything that assists us in our space program is pure speculation with no foundation in fact.
Quite the opposite is true. My opponent suggests here that any new discovery wouldn’t immediately be used in space travel, when every newly discovered technology is pitted against what we need in space and elsewhere. Whether it’s a better electrical system, or something as simple as a more efficient insulator, NASA looks into all of them for use in the Space Program. So, to say that this element wouldn’t be analyzed for it’s usefulness in space travel would be negligent in any regard.
However he continues to fantasize about some role this element may play in a real life application; the same element that has only ever existed for seconds after years of applying our best science.
According to www.uic.com.au..., Uranium was discovered in 1789. Only in recent years did man learn to harness Uranium’s natural abilities to use it for energy generation. Do we now assume that the likelihood of such a discovery is not going to happen in the near future, based on what we know now of element 115? I highly doubt it.
It is simply too early to assign this element to a role in space travel.
On the contrary, we should be examining the possibilities of this element’s being useable in some fashion with the missions coming in the next 20 years. This element represents the best opportunity to capitalize on a very rare fuel for the interests of the expansion into space. To deny the obvious potential impacts of this element would not be wise.
As any conversation about the uses of Element 115 must be speculation, I submit that the actual application of this element in space travel is more fantasy than fact and negates any scientific hypothesis that made be made at this time.
We must accept the fact that we will have to be venturing into space within at least the next one hundred years. Should we expect to make any long term plans to remain out there, we’ll need to evaluate new discoveries as they come out to make the best use of them. To shut element 115 out just because so little is known about it means that we could be preventing ourselves from making a discovery that could revolutionize space travel altogether. We stand at a unique point; one that can go one of two directions. We can either embrace the possibility that this element will yield something good for us and explore it further, or we can just throw it away, and accept that it’s nothing “more than an oddity.”
My opponent then goes on to speak about Bob Lazar. While he even admits that his stories are just that, stories, he entertains them as being of interest. While I find myself agreeing with this assessment of Bob Lazar, I’m also wondering what the point to his mentioning it was. Perhaps he was privy to information that no one else was. Bear in mind however, that Mr. Lazar has yet to be proven to be in the employ of the US Government at any point whatsoever. We’re taking his word on this. Should that proof come to light, then extra consideration and weight should be given to his words.
In my last post, I mentioned that I would:
In my next reply, I will elaborate on what impacts these technologies will have on all of us.
Having described several possible uses for element 115, the question comes to mind, “how will this benefit humankind?” Well, to answer that is a bit of a tough question, with no more information than we currently have. When we at some point discover that 115 has a use that we can utilize for the advancement of all of mankind, then it will be brought into public eye as a new resource. Until then though, the verdict is out. Will it be useful to humans in any respect? Yes, I believe it will. It has potential to become the next Uranium for a new generation of space travelers. We are about to witness the advancement of man into the cosmos, and it will be even more of a momentous occasion to have element 115 along for the ride.
This element may be what we need to create a new fuel, which will change the economies of the world, and anywhere that we go from here. The impacts can be as varied as they are many. When it’s discovered to be useful to us, we’ll be able to market it to others, which will help with foreign relations. While any thoughts on this element are preliminary, it could be the element that brings world peace. It has the potential to become something that no one even imagined it being. The hard part now is the wait.
I look forward to the day that element 115 is brought forward.
TheBorg
reply posted on 13-8-2007 @ 11:58 PM by semperfortis
Super Heavy Metal
Continued
Semper’s Third Reply:
Let’s examine the actual title of the debate for a second.
Likely; not eventually, or remotely, Likely.
Likely is defined as
Online Dictionary
When you examine the verbiage, “Probably, Apparently Destined, Seeming like Truth and most dramatically the word FACT, the debate over the “Likelihood of Element 115” being anything falls in the realm of hypothesis and is removed from scientific fact.
We are debating the “likelihood” of this element becoming useful for advanced space travel. Not that it will become useful at some point in some currently unknown fashion. I submit to you that there is far too little promise shown at this time to attach the word “likely” to this element.
Also keep in mind that we are discussing “advanced” space travel. Not the coming and going of our current Space Shuttle Program. As successful and fascinating as that program has been, we can not assign the term “advanced” to a program that has been in production and effect for over 20 years.
The terminology “Advanced Space Travel” brings to mind many, different visualizations to all of us. Whether it is travel to the vastness of another galaxy, or the exploration of our own solar system, the words Advanced Space Travel by definition is more than the shuttle program, walking on the moon or orbiting this rock we call home.
What will advanced space travel look like? What propulsion systems will be used? Will we be able to attain the necessary speeds or use a hibernation system? All of these questions most likely will be answered by our children and our children’s children. Our knowledge is NOT there yet and to assign Element 115 to a place in this future is not only premature, it is scientifically irresponsible at this time in our current stage of scientific development.
The element has existed for mere seconds and we are already prepared to produce a new unknown propulsion system and space suits using…. What?...... Exactly.
Now my opponent says:
Exactly my point.
NASA, and her counter parts in other nations, LOOK FOR the elements, raw materials and scientific advancements that will further the goals of space exploration. Not the other way around. Everything that is discovered or manufactured is not done so simply to assist in space travel.
And one day Element 115 may prove worthy in some manner as yet unknown. But to assign the tern likely to an element that has existed for seconds and then only in a laboratory is, as I have previously stated, premature at best.
At its current rate of stability, Element 115 will exist for a WHOPPING ten seconds in 20 years. I can not even speculate on the use of an element that exists for 110 seconds in any application, much less space travel.
Again I would invite my opponent to elaborate on the scientific evidence that supports the terminology, “Best Opportunity” and “Obvious Potential”. To date no potential has been proven at all much less an obvious one. So I am unsure as to what opportunity my opponent is speaking of.
What makes Mr. Lazar’s stories interesting in this debate, is the sudden interest in an element that has such a limited life-span and its relationship to space travel. I would suggest that it is Mr. Lazar’s stories that have fueled the wild speculations as to the use of this element and its currently unknown abilities.
I do not know what the future of Element 115 is. Whether it is a new source of energy, material for a space suit or will it be used to make new cocktail glasses for Donald Trump.
What I do know is that at this time, knowing what we do about the element, it is NOT “likely” to be anything. To begin to plan for the use of this element in “Advanced Space Travel” is a wonderful fantasy, but in no manner scientifically sound.
Thank You
Semper
Continued
Semper’s Third Reply:
Let’s examine the actual title of the debate for a second.
"It is likely that Element 115 will be found to have properties which make it useful to advanced space travel".
Likely; not eventually, or remotely, Likely.
Likely is defined as
1. Probably or apparently destined (usually fol. by an infinitive): something not likely to happen.
2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable: a likely story.
Online Dictionary
When you examine the verbiage, “Probably, Apparently Destined, Seeming like Truth and most dramatically the word FACT, the debate over the “Likelihood of Element 115” being anything falls in the realm of hypothesis and is removed from scientific fact.
We are debating the “likelihood” of this element becoming useful for advanced space travel. Not that it will become useful at some point in some currently unknown fashion. I submit to you that there is far too little promise shown at this time to attach the word “likely” to this element.
Also keep in mind that we are discussing “advanced” space travel. Not the coming and going of our current Space Shuttle Program. As successful and fascinating as that program has been, we can not assign the term “advanced” to a program that has been in production and effect for over 20 years.
The terminology “Advanced Space Travel” brings to mind many, different visualizations to all of us. Whether it is travel to the vastness of another galaxy, or the exploration of our own solar system, the words Advanced Space Travel by definition is more than the shuttle program, walking on the moon or orbiting this rock we call home.
What will advanced space travel look like? What propulsion systems will be used? Will we be able to attain the necessary speeds or use a hibernation system? All of these questions most likely will be answered by our children and our children’s children. Our knowledge is NOT there yet and to assign Element 115 to a place in this future is not only premature, it is scientifically irresponsible at this time in our current stage of scientific development.
The element has existed for mere seconds and we are already prepared to produce a new unknown propulsion system and space suits using…. What?...... Exactly.
Now my opponent says:
Whether it’s a better electrical system, or something as simple as a more efficient insulator, NASA looks into all of them for use in the Space Program. So, to say that this element wouldn’t be analyzed for it’s usefulness in space travel would be negligent in any regard.
Exactly my point.
NASA, and her counter parts in other nations, LOOK FOR the elements, raw materials and scientific advancements that will further the goals of space exploration. Not the other way around. Everything that is discovered or manufactured is not done so simply to assist in space travel.
Uranium was discovered in 1789. Only in recent years did man learn to harness Uranium’s natural abilities to use it for energy generation.
And one day Element 115 may prove worthy in some manner as yet unknown. But to assign the tern likely to an element that has existed for seconds and then only in a laboratory is, as I have previously stated, premature at best.
we should be examining the possibilities of this element’s being useable in some fashion with the missions coming in the next 20 years.
At its current rate of stability, Element 115 will exist for a WHOPPING ten seconds in 20 years. I can not even speculate on the use of an element that exists for 110 seconds in any application, much less space travel.
This element represents the best opportunity to capitalize on a very rare fuel for the interests of the expansion into space. To deny the obvious potential impacts of this element would not be wise.
Again I would invite my opponent to elaborate on the scientific evidence that supports the terminology, “Best Opportunity” and “Obvious Potential”. To date no potential has been proven at all much less an obvious one. So I am unsure as to what opportunity my opponent is speaking of.
My opponent then goes on to speak about Bob Lazar. While he even admits that his stories are just that, stories, he entertains them as being of interest.
What makes Mr. Lazar’s stories interesting in this debate, is the sudden interest in an element that has such a limited life-span and its relationship to space travel. I would suggest that it is Mr. Lazar’s stories that have fueled the wild speculations as to the use of this element and its currently unknown abilities.
I do not know what the future of Element 115 is. Whether it is a new source of energy, material for a space suit or will it be used to make new cocktail glasses for Donald Trump.
What I do know is that at this time, knowing what we do about the element, it is NOT “likely” to be anything. To begin to plan for the use of this element in “Advanced Space Travel” is a wonderful fantasy, but in no manner scientifically sound.
Thank You
Semper
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