New Mars Forums

RobertDyck

Moderator

From: Winnipeg, Canada

Registered: 2002-08-20

Posts: 7,929

Website

Re: Booze

At the 2004 Mars Society convention, one individual proposed using Antarctica as a model for governance on Mars. Long story short, I argued Antarctica is an example why NOT to do this. I consider Antarctica a complete failure. There are resources on Antarctica: coal, oil, natural gas, iron ore, copper ore, others. None of these resources are commercially utilized. Population on Antarctica is extremely small, only a handful of scientists. And Antarctica is not self-sustaining, it requires continuous investment from countries that operate scientific outposts there. The fact Earth can afford to reserve one of the seven continents of our planet as a park for scientists to go play in, demonstrates how rich our planet has become. But he wants to do that with the entire planet Mars? Who is going to pay the bills?

This news about restrictions on alcohol is more reason why Mars cannot ever be run that way.

SpaceNut

Administrator

From: New Hampshire

Registered: 2004-07-22

Posts: 29,431

Re: Booze

In this post in terraforming, I adapt Robert Dykes idea of producing glucose.
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 47#p216247

The synthetic glucose will be converted into alcohol, by adding yeast and selected micronutrients.  The resulting mix is then distilled to give a 70% ethanol, 30% water solution which is pure vodka.  This can be added to soft drinks to produce cocktails.  Or we can put the alcohol in stainless steel barrels with various different botanicals to make bathtub gin.  Whisky requires some more creative thinking as much of the flavour derives from the grain.

I envisage that the surface of my hacienda will be dominated by chloroplast containing plastic panels.  These will be polypropylene panels, ~1cm (0.5') thick, with internal tubes through which chloroplast solution will circulate.  Also above ground will be polytunnels, used to grow botanicals for the gin.  All other infrastructure will be beneath ground for heat conservation.

As an agricultural settlement, my hacienda needs to be relatively close to the city, as polytunnels need waste heat from the base nuclear power supply.  Solar collector panels are possible.  A small aqueous homogenous reactor could also be used to generate heat.  If either of these two options work out, then the siting requirements can be relaxed.  Hybrid options are possible as well.  If flat plate collectors can produce heat at temperatures greater than 0°C, then a heat pump can be used to generate warm water at 20-30°C for polytunnel heating.

Future developments will focus on genetic modification of bacteria to produce flavouring agents using chloroplast derived glucose as fuel.  This reduces the need for polytunnels, thereby reducing heat requirements for the farm.  Eventually, the hacienda will produce a wide variety of alcoholic and soft drinks.

Mars_B4_Moon

Member

Registered: 2006-03-23

Posts: 9,776

Re: Booze

A small Scottish brewery is taking the global drinks brand to court accusing it of stealing the name of one of its popular beers.

Scots non-alcoholic brewery launches legal battle against Brewdog
https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2023/11/ … t-brewdog/

from Booze to Fuel

The potential of biofuels from first to fourth generation
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/a … io.3002063

I noticed stackexchange has a number of food connoisseurs, engineer scientists and farmers that discuss 'Home Brewing' topics

https://homebrew.stackexchange.com/ques … c-beverage

Mars_B4_Moon

Member

Registered: 2006-03-23

Posts: 9,776

Re: Booze

ATF offers reward in Rocky Mountain Trading Company burglary

https://krdo.com/news/2023/12/12/atf-of … -burglary/

Regulation and Rules for Hindu culture in India

Enforcement squad steps up drive against illicit liquor trade
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ … 658820.ece

Liquid Oxygen and Alcohol Engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GeY0eahNAc

Mars_B4_Moon

Member

Registered: 2006-03-23

Posts: 9,776

Re: Booze

Exploring the Final Frontier: The Role of Alcohol in Space Exploration

https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Expl … n_999.html

Throughout the annals of history, alcohol has not only been a staple of human civilization but also a significant cultural and social element that has accompanied many of humanity's most monumental moments. As our gaze turns skyward and our ambitions reach for the stars, the intriguing question emerges: How will alcohol fit into the future of space exploration and settlement? "Alcohol in Space" by Chris Carberry ventures into this uncharted territory, presenting a pioneering exploration of alcohol's place in the cosmos.

At the heart of Carberry's examination is the recognition of alcohol's deep-rooted significance in human history. Alcohol has served various roles: as a beverage for celebration and mourning, a medicinal remedy, and a medium for social bonding. Its presence in the annals of human achievement and daily life begs the question of its role in space, where humanity dreams of establishing a new frontier.

The journey of alcohol into space is not just a fanciful idea; it is grounded in real scientific inquiry and innovation. The book details the efforts of companies and research projects dedicated to making alcohol production viable in space conditions. These endeavors are not merely for the novelty of brewing beer or distilling spirits in orbit; they are integral to the broader vision of space agriculture and sustainable living environments for astronauts and future space settlers.