Well, talk is cheap but considering that a moon base — and subsequent mission to Mars — will together probably cost less than the Iraq War, I suppose that it is
entirely possible. A lower gravity field is certainly the first step towards larger space vessels and longer space flights.
US space agency NASA has said it plans to start work on a permanently-occupied base on the Moon after astronauts begin flying back there in 2020.
The base is likely to be built on one of the Moon's poles and will serve as a science centre and possible stepping stone for manned missions to Mars.
The US has already said it plans to build a new lunar spacecraft to succeed the last Apollo mission in 1972.
Funds will be moved from space shuttle flights, due to be scrapped in 2010.
The structure of the base and the exact duties of the astronauts stationed there have not been decided.
Nor is it clear when the base will begin functioning.
Well, talk is cheap but considering that a moon base — and subsequent mission to Mars — will together probably cost less than the Iraq War, I suppose that it is entirely possible. A lower gravity field is certainly the first step towards larger space vessels and longer space flights. 
No comments:
Post a Comment