Robert Michael Lacey

Human. Male. Alive. Residing in California.

Builds unusual things and thinks. Currently completing the from-scratch design for a large-format 3D printer. Build phase planned for 2015 Q3. Thermoplastics (ABS, PLA, HPDE) initially, liquid metals (tin, then copper) to follow. Also in development is filament extruder to repurpose recyclable materials as low-cost feedstock for economical marerial use. Ultimate goal is electron-beam deposition of aerospace alloys and exotic compositions. I've always liked the idea of being able to 3D print a functional jet engine but the metallurgy and materials science isn't favorable yet for this mode of fabrication.

If you want to know more than that, you must either dig for it yourself or contact me. You're always welcome to do so, either way. Reliable suppliers of antimatter move to the front of the line, please.

Third Age Industries

January 15, 2016

On terraforming planets...

Terraforming literally means to transform (a planet) so as to resemble the earth, especially so that it can support human life.. In order for a planetary body to have the same physical characteristics as Earth, it much undergo transformations similar (or identical to) those that formed the planet we live on.

I'd like to spend a moment considering the current popularity of terraforming with respect to Mars, and to point out some things that ought to be obvious, but appear to have escaped most people who have addressed the concept.