Posted on 12/27/2005 5:15:07 PM PST by KevinDavis
The recent release of the details of NASA's proposed plans for human return to the moon in response to President Bush's "Vision for Space Exploration" last year has drawn much comment -- some positive, some negative and some simply perplexed.
Although the reasons for undertaking the program were clearly articulated in the president's speech, it is important to reexamine why the moon is its cornerstone and what we hope to achieve by returning there.
The moon is important for three reasons: science, inspiration and resources. All three are directly served by the new lunar return architecture. This program has the potential to make significant contributions to our national economy and welfare.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Let me guess.
We've discovered a black obelisk on the dark side of the moon!
If we don't go someone else will and when they do it will make a wonderfull launching point for attacks and or exploration.
Perhaps this will give American science education a much-needed boost.
For one thing, we are losing ground in the pursuit of science.
A third possibility: resource development
I've been thinking about this today, and I think it's important that the U.S. get back to the moon before China. If (when) China and Russia and their surrogates, both foreign and domestic, start World War III, it's always good to have the high ground.
That it will. Actually I'm interested in alloys that can be produced in the low grave environment.
Do you mean the "far" side of the Moon? ;)
We will go because it's the next closest place TO go.
We should just facet the whole thing with mirrors, so it's like a giant disco-ball in the sky.
There's no dark side of the moon really. As a matter of fact it's all dark ;-)
Mainly to prove that we can do it.
We got there 36 years ago. It's not a good base for exploration or throwing rocks, otherwise we would already be doing it.
We're going back because NASA's manned program is a failure, and there's no better way to attract federal dollars than to fail.
"WE"????????
Government is not "We". This is pork.
Kids aren't dumb. They see how society treats engineers and scientists. Why the heck would they want to waste their time in "hard" classes when they can cruise in general classes and move up through Corporate America's Peter Principal management hierarchy without really taxing their brain.
We go because it is our nature to explore. We go because it is part of what we are. And part of what we are going to become.
I rather see NASA spend money on human programs than robots..
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