Post by glactus on Feb 26, 2008 12:07:44 GMT
Although we hear that NASA's exploration program may be under threat of alteration and curtailment should Democrats become the majority at the end of 2008, the return to the Moon Project will proceed.
Even if financial restraints have an effect on the Space Agency's ability to attain pre set targets already announced, humans will return to the Moon's surface within the next 15 years, this time to stay.
The Moon will become a laboratory from which we will be able to pursue scientific activities that address fundamental questions about the history of the Earth, the solar System, the Universe - and our place in them.
From the lunar surface will flow those technologies that will take us to Mars, and in centuries hence - deep into the Cosmos.
Within the next 30 years we may see private enterprise establish Lunar hotels, on land or in orbit, to cash in on that lucrative adventure, and mining companies will be active in establishing Moon bases to service lunar and asteroid activities.
So you can see, we must proceed with the present lunar program to enable science and commerce to develop systems that will enhance our life on Earth, beam energy back to our planet, deliver to us the riches of the Asteroids, and to expand our knowledge of the Universe, for humankind were never meant to inhabit just one heavenly sphere forever.
Beyond Jupiter
credits:
Lunar images: NSS.org
www.nss.org/settlement/moon/FLO.html
Text by glactus
