Why is China targeting the moon -- and should NASA as well?

FOX News ^ | December 6, 2013 | By Jeremy A. Kaplan

[Brad from Tennessee]

Americans from Buzz Aldrin to president Barack Obama say it’s a waste of time to put men back on the moon -- so why are foreign countries so eager to take that one small step?

While several private American companies are planning robotic missions to the moon, China launched a man-sized robotic scout to the moon on Monday. The country’s recent manned missions and efforts to build a new space base suggest a future manned mission to the moon, though why is an open question. Speculation has run from the desire to build a military missile base -- a Death Star of sorts -- to national pride to simple economics.

The answer may be far simpler: The moon is “easy” to get to.

“If you’re still trying to test out your space legs, it’s a great place to do it,” said one NASA engineer familiar with the agency’s plans. NASA’s current space agenda includes a highly challenging project to tow an asteroid back to Earth, as well as transporting men to Mars within two decades -- projects of vast technical complexity compared with the moon landings America ended four decades ago. . .

. . .ex-astronauts and policy experts, argue that NASA is making a mistake by ignoring the moon, which still fascinates the Earthbound. Only 12 men have ever set foot on the moon, Americans all of them, the last one 41 years ago.

[cripplecreek]

As much as I think we need to go to mars, a real moon base is the right logical step. If we can do a decade on the moon, we can do mars.

[MasterGunner01]

Why no, NASA is too busy doing Muslim outreach and cannot be bothered with piddly things like moon exploration. We must enhance Muslim’s self esteem, don’t you know. China can do that moon walking thingy.

[Vroomfondel]

Not really. Does China have a national park on the moon?

What good does it do us if we don't have anyone there to collect park entrance fees?

[Paul R.]

Why is China targeting the moon --

Because then they can throw rocks at us.

(Yes, I am paraphrasing Heinlein.)

[Paladin2]

I’m thinking that the Moon could have an abundance of rare Earths.

[Paladin2]

Kool story. Thanx for posting.

[dr_lew]

China launched a man-sized robotic scout to the moon on Monday.

Recall that the Russions never used to say anything about a mission until and unless it succeeded, so give them that. Of course, they knew it could easily be tracked. Whatever.

Well then, will it succeed? It's a hard thing to do. I'll be quite impressed if it does succeed.

[Truth29]

"As much as I think we need to go to mars, a real moon base is the right logical step. If we can do a decade on the moon, we can do mars."

True, but we will do neither under Obama. He will not allow US leadership in space again. He will cheer and even help other nations advance into space, but the US must be brought down in payment for the Left's judgment for past sins.

[Telepathic Intruder]

the Moon could have an abundance of rare Earths

Due to the way the moon was (theoretically) formed, it's composed mostly on Earth mantle material. Mostly silica and alumina, nothing special. If you want rare Earths, the asteroids are the place to go. The moon would, however, make an excellent staging point for missions beyond, since it takes a lot of fuel to get out of Earth orbit. A moon base could manufacture fuel (liquid hyddrogen and oxygen) using water. Water has already been found in large amounts in the permanently shadowed craters near the poles.