Back to the Moon by 2020

richardm

Philosopher
richardm
Joined
Aug 6, 2001
Messages
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That appears to be NASA's aim, anyway.

It's basically an updated Apollo setup. It will feature more modern technology, obviously, but will also be larger so that astronauts can stay on the Moon's surface a bit longer.

I'm quite excited by this, and am surprised there hasn't been more fanfare. 2020 isn't all that far in the future. I suppose NASA didn't want to start shouting until the end of the month, so perhaps it's not that surprising.
 
richardm said:
That appears to be NASA's aim, anyway.

It's basically an updated Apollo setup. It will feature more modern technology, obviously, but will also be larger so that astronauts can stay on the Moon's surface a bit longer.

I'm quite excited by this, and am surprised there hasn't been more fanfare. 2020 isn't all that far in the future. I suppose NASA didn't want to start shouting until the end of the month, so perhaps it's not that surprising.
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NASA has had plans like that for years. When congress decides to fund it is when it will be interesting
 
has Bush's briefly trumpeted mission to mars been quietly shelved?
 
andyandy said:
has Bush's briefly trumpeted mission to mars been quietly shelved?
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According to the article they're going to do some practice runs to the Moon first, to see how things work out.

ponderingturtle said:
NASA has had plans like that for years. When congress decides to fund it is when it will be interesting
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Well, they're planning to announce the manufacturer next week - does that imply that funding is in place?
 
I saw a talk by Michael Foale and his opinion coincided with what you're saying. He explained that a modern Apollo-style lunar mission was the only way he could see it, or any other manned mission, happening. Also that he wouldn't get the chance to go as he'll be too old by then, whenever "then" might be!
 
richardm said:
Well, they're planning to announce the manufacturer next week - does that imply that funding is in place?
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Sadly, no; not the way the government works. Some of the funding may be in place, but I doubt it's a significant percentage.
 
I read an interesting article about the feasibility of permanent moon bases. The biggest obstacle is the lack of an atmosphere on the moon, but not for the reason you might think. There is no wind erosion that would cause small particles to grind against each other. This means that the small particles on the surface (moon dust) are not smooth and round. They are angular and sharp. When they get on or in moving parts they cause a significant amount of wear, much more than what we normally experience on earth. Every time an astronaut comes back inside he/she will bring in some of these particles. Every time a ship docks with the base some of these particles will get inside. Dust discipline will be a major problem for a permanent moon base. Mars shouldn't have this problem since there is an atmosphere and we know erosion occurs there.
 
We are like children, planning a day away from our mother.

When will we grow up?
 
What is the point of going to the Moon? Answers

1. Political. This was the primary reason we went in the 1960s. The science was a side effect.

2. Science. Mostly done. Could put a telescope of some sort on the moon.

3. Practise run for Mars. This is similar to 1. This is very dangerous. Half of the missions to Mars have failed. Either something must improve or it will be a suicide mission. After all they have to get back.

4. Mining. Then you can build large satellites. Maybe to beam power to the earth. Or rockets to Mars. Or the Helium for nuclear fusion.

Not sure that dust will be a problem. Just make sure that you wipe and stamp your feet before you go indoors.
 
richardm said:
That appears to be NASA's aim, anyway.

It's basically an updated Apollo setup. It will feature more modern technology, obviously, but will also be larger so that astronauts can stay on the Moon's surface a bit longer.

I'm quite excited by this, and am surprised there hasn't been more fanfare. 2020 isn't all that far in the future. I suppose NASA didn't want to start shouting until the end of the month, so perhaps it's not that surprising.
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Don't ever separate it from the politics. This, like the trip to Mars, is related to the growth of China in space. No self-respecting politician is going to let the Commies get there first, or set up a permanent base first.

Likelihood of either is directly proportional to the progress of China in these areas. No serious China threat on the moon, no US (or "International") moon landing in 2020.
 
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