How realistic is the idea of a lunar base?
More precisely, how difficult are the technical challenges not simply of getting equipment there and establishing a base - but also in running it? What will maintenance issues be like? For example, water extraction/purification issues coupled with moon dust getting everywhere and clogging up machinery?
Lunar base options divide experts
Scientists are divided about the use of the Moon as a base to develop ways to travel to Mars, according to reports given to the US government.
Some have said the possibility of water-ice existing at the lunar poles would allow a moonbase to use the ice as rocket fuel for a Mars mission.
Others contend that it would be too difficult to extract.
And there is disagreement about whether the moon is a good alternative to space as a base for advanced telescopes.
In January, President Bush redirected the US space effort sending astronauts back to the Moon and then onto Mars.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3600627.stm
More precisely, how difficult are the technical challenges not simply of getting equipment there and establishing a base - but also in running it? What will maintenance issues be like? For example, water extraction/purification issues coupled with moon dust getting everywhere and clogging up machinery?
Lunar base options divide experts
Scientists are divided about the use of the Moon as a base to develop ways to travel to Mars, according to reports given to the US government.
Some have said the possibility of water-ice existing at the lunar poles would allow a moonbase to use the ice as rocket fuel for a Mars mission.
Others contend that it would be too difficult to extract.
And there is disagreement about whether the moon is a good alternative to space as a base for advanced telescopes.
In January, President Bush redirected the US space effort sending astronauts back to the Moon and then onto Mars.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3600627.stm
