Ort Cloud/Keiper Belt Refueling

[Fritz_Brown]

1) Yeah, a lot of systems wouldn't have the resources/tech. It probably wouldn't get done in those systems. Oh well, guess that means more resources for belters IMTU.

2) I think the idea was to use the mirror "laser" to cause outgassing. But, do it in a way that causes a vector change.

3) Even if you attach rockets/maneuver drives, you don't really have to have very large ones (you don't need a fast vector change, just a change) and you don't have to pay much attention once they're programmed.

4) You don't have to move all of them - just move them into a definable/defendable area.

 

[aramis]

Basic lesson in orbital mechanics:

Back brings you in.
in takes you spin.
spin takes you out.
out brings you back.

From Niven, BTW.

All you have to do is slow it a bit, and it will orbit closer. THe more you outgass one end, the more off-center thrust you get. It's not Fast, and it doesn't require being out there. It just requires causing outgassing for a period of time. The arrays could be built and used, then disassembled and sold off to the neighbors.

Now, another method is a 5-year Ion-drive module, capable of moving over the surface... have it go out, and nudge a body. They can be built for probably MCr5 or less each. And they're self recovering; once comet is inbound, separate, and slingshot back to base for refuel and maintenance. And base need not be back to hab, just to a safe orbit where the tender can get them.

Fritz: You DO need to deal with almost all of them. taking 50K and turning them into 50 clumps makes them both economically worth mining wholesale, and easily defensible. Shuffling them in to 5 clumps is even better. One clump makes them a fuel-station...

If you don't need them for their resources, drop them into GG's. Take them out of the equation entirely.