A third way the Moon, as well as other celestial bodies such
as Earth approaching asteroids, could be the source of a solution to Earth’s
energy problems was described in a recent book, Moon Rush, written by aerospace engineer Dennis Wingo. Wingo makes
the case that billions of years of impacts by nickel-iron asteroids have
deposited large quantities of platinum group metals on the Moon. The reason
this fact is important is that these kinds of metals are a critical component
in hydrogen fuel cells.
Fuel cells have the potential to provide power for
everything from automobiles to office buildings and small factories, with the
only byproduct being water vapor. In order to create this chemical reaction,
platinum is needed as a catalyst.
In his book, Wingo suggests that there are not enough
reserves of platinum group metals on the Earth to support a hydrogen economy
run by fuel cells. Also the refining of platinum group metals on Earth
generates a considerable amount of toxic waste. Wingo suggests that platinum
group metals mined and refined on the Moon, or Earth approaching asteroids,
could make up the difference and jump start a hydrogen economy on Earth.
The Future
As the United States
and other countries contemplate sending people back to the Moon for the first
time in decades, a debate has arisen over whether it is worth the cost. Science
and exploration are certainly important things, but if the Moon is the source
of the solution to Earth’s energy problem, then going back to the Moon might be
worth any cost. Just as earlier explorers set forth across trackless oceans for
“God, glory, and gold”, future explorers may set forth on an even more
trackless, airless ocean for “Energy, commerce, and science.” It is a bright
future, filled with the potential of prosperity and high adventure.