Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by s1artibartfast 2471 days ago
you dont even need a smelter/forger if you want to build a massive space colony at the L1 lagrange point (which the moon elevator would pass through). Just pack the raw lunar regolith into prefab plastic sheeting similar. this is similar in concept to inflatable space habitats with the added benefit of radiation protection and thermal insulation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflatable_space_habitat