Posted on 01/18/2016 8:28:52 PM PST by Jack Hydrazine
European Space Agency's head Jan Woerner released the vision outline for the Moon Village, which could replace the International Space Station as early as 2030. The lunar village will be composed of structures created by 3D printers and robots using Moon dusts as raw materials.
Woerner became the ESA head in July 2015 and made the Moon mission the space agency's central project. Woerner added that this lunar project is a crucial step towards the future flight to Mars.
"I looked into the requirements I see for a project after ISS. As of today, I see the Moon Village as the ideal successor of the International Space Station for [space] exploration," said Woerner.
The Moon Village project could be a collaboration of several nations and space exploration groups including Russia, China, NASA and ESA. Experts around the world could contribute advanced technology, knowledge and even manpower (astronauts) for the Mars mission preparations. The same can be done for the ongoing biology and physics explorations that are currently being conducted onboard the ISS.
In 2014, the U.S. announced they intend to keep the ISS in operation until 2024, which pushed back the station's retirement by at least four years. Several European nations raised concerns over the extended operation's perceived costs, challenging if the extension would be worthwhile. On the other hand, Russia is considering the option of building its own space station.
The ISS is a joint venture of the U.S., Europe, Russia, Canada and Japan. All members agreed to continue the ISS' operations until 2024 at the very least, except the European Union whose commitment is only until 2020. Woerner maintained that the ISS has "has its value" and hoped that the European Union will continue its project involvement in the ISS.
ESA's statement seemed to carry a desire to combine global efforts for space exploration, especially after Russia's announcement. Woerner added that the Moon Village will have multiple users and uses.
"Maybe one country is more interested in science, another may be a private company interested in mining ... and another may be interested to use the Moon as a stepping stone for further exploration," explained Woerner.
The proposed Moon Village will not require a "formal decision" from involved countries, added Woerner. Once the best spot on the Moon is identified, countries and space exploration groups will then decide how they want to be involved in the Moon Village project. Woerner noted that both Russia and China have some Moon mission planned and it would be a good idea to make them part of the proposed Moon Village plan.
Best bet is to move into the lava tubes. Sealed and filled with air.
But, once established will need to produce everything there. From air, to food, to spare parts.
Such idiocy.
This will only work if robots are sent ahead to build things before the people.
Nothing more than adolescent science fiction. There is simply no economic incentive for humans to invest in such a venture
Islam will never allow it , you’ll all have to stay on Earth to be miserable them
3D printing of habitats made out of Moon dust.
The modern version of an adobe hut.
That will not end well. It's very difficult to keep 3D printer extruders free of contaminants. The problem with Moon dust is that it gets into everything and chews it up. Like sandpaper grit. The astronauts complained about it. They'd be better off nuking the surface of the Moon (yeah, that'll go over well) and then mine the hardened material after it cools.
The concept of the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars and the planets is devoid of science. To put a installation on the moon you need to boost it from earths gravity which take a lot of energy. You then need to land it on the moon which takes braking energy. To go to Mars or beyond you must then boost your payload from the moons gravity.
The only way the moon will be a viable stepping stone to space is if it is self sustaining in energy, and manufacturing without the need of sustenance from earth. Otherwise it is nothing but a gravity hole.
A colony on the moon for research and science is good. It is not a viable launching point to the planets.
Thanks Jack Hydrazine.
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Thanks Jack Hydrazine, extra to APoD.
You are forgetting something...
What is the biggest thing one has to boost toward Mars, to go to Mars?
It’s not the ship — at least not exactly.
It is reaction mass and / or fuel (tho’ “fuel” mass can be minimized to some extent, with a nuclear powered engine.)
One is a LOT better off with one’s reaction mass / fuel on the Moon than on Earth, because Luna’s gravity well (to use Heinlein-like wording) is small, while Earth’s is MUCH larger. Luna has “energy of position”. If it also has extractable ice, we are in business (although that is not the only possibility.)
The Moon has something else, too: Almost unlimited solar power, unblocked by any significant atmosphere. True, in most locations (assuming no big orbiting mirrors) it is only “on” 50% of the time, but, compare to most terrestrial locations...
So... build a large magnetic catapult on the Moon. Build as many ship components as possible on the Moon, and catapult them into Lunar orbit for assembly. (A large magnetic brake and catapult could also stationed in Lunar Orbit. The surface catapult can also be used as a magnetic “brake” for incoming items needed on the Moon. This is a bit hairy, but probably much less so than landing a plane on an aircraft carrier!)
At some point, begin catapulting reaction mass / fuel, food, etc., up to the Mars Mission ship. (We’ll assume the ship is only partially self-sustaining when it comes to food and supplies.) Begin the mission, and keep catapulting supplies and especially reaction mass to the ship until it is out of range. (This could be a 3 stage process utilizing both the surface and orbital catapults.) Reaction mass, etc., could even be sent to Mars orbit, for the return voyage.
The above concepts could be scaled down if all one wants to do is send 2-3 astronauts to Mars once or twice. But where such a plan really shines is if one wants to REALLY explore Mars. It also gives the builder one heck of a weapon. The USA’s terrestrial military budget could easily be cut in half.
Yeah, there was a lot of that “no economic incentive for humans to invest in such a venture” going around in 1492 ... Computers. cellphones, CAT scans are all just more “adolescent science fiction.”
The only real frontier for Americans is a focused navel gazing where all the action and economic benefits are to be found. Our Glorious Leader and his beloved minions have shown us the way!
Finally got a picture of one! We’ve long postulated were cats go when they disappear - going to the moon was the prevailing theory and now you have shown us the Truth. Thank you, sir!
“It also gives the builder one heck of a weapon.”
The Chinese are working on it ...
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