NASA

US Moon-Mars Space Exploration: Scientific Progress Will Benefit All Humanity & Future Generations

Lawrence , , , , , , , ,

May 23, 2019

Space exploration is in mankind’s nature. Human beings-homo sapiens-sapiens- have been looking up to the stars and discovering new qualities of the physical universe from our earliest existence. A new Moon-Mars program is essential for two reasons. One, it excites our creative imagination, and instills optimism in us. Secondly, all new discoveries of physical principles lead to economic progress. These type of scientific endeavors will provide the knowledge to help us green the vast Sahara Desert, which has plagued Africa since it dried up several thousands of years ago. For these reasons and more, I am an enthusiastic advocate of going back to the Moon and onward to Mars.

(Courtesy of SpaceNews)

NASA Video: Moon Source and `Checkpoint for All that Lies Beyond’

A new video produced by NASA shows the far greater challenge and potential of the “Moon by 2024” mission in comparison to the United States’ manned landings on the Moon a half-century ago. Presenting an array of new rocketry and manned capsules in action and under development, the NASA astronauts and engineers promise, “We’re going to the Moon this time to stay.”

But more, the Moon is the launch pad, the new space coast, and the source of both fuel and supplies for missions to Mars and beyond; mankind will explore the Solar System from the Moon.

“In 2009 we learned that the Moon contains millions of tons of water ice,” the technicians say. “This ice can [make] water, oxygen for breathing, or hydrogen for rocket fuel. The Moon is uniquely suited to prepare us, and propel us to Mars and beyond…. This we can replicate throughout the Solar System.”

No suggestion is made of competition or conflict in space; rather “We go to seek knowledge and understanding, and to share it with all.”

“We return to the Moon now as preparation…as a checkpoint toward all that lies beyond.”

Enjoy watching this short video:

 

 

Finally, US Returning to the Moon and on to Mars: Joins China

Lawrence , , , , , , , , , ,

Finally, the USA is planning on returning to space in a big way. If President Trump implements his just announced space program he will be reigniting America’s space legacy, initially led by President John Kennedy. Returning to the Moon, which President Obama foolishly dismissed by saying, “been there-done that,” is vital to our culture and economy. Exploration of our solar system and galaxy will stimulate the imagination of mankind, and return hefty economic benefits through discovering new scientific principles. Not having returned to the Moon for almost half a century was a gigantic error in American policy. Establishing a base on the Moon is an essential stepping stone to landing on Mars, the Earth’s closet neighboring planet. Over recent years, China has taken the lead in space exploration, and now, if the US is wise, we can collaborate with China in discovering new wonders about our living Universe.

August 1,. 1971) — Astronaut James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot, gives a military salute while standing beside the deployed United States flag during the Apollo 15 lunar surface extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Hadley-Apennine landing site. (courtesy of nbcnews.com)

President Donald Trump:  “This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprint, we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars, and perhaps someday, to many worlds beyond.”

Highlights of President Trump’s Moon initiative:

*”The United States will seek to land on the Moon’s South Pole by 2024, establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by 2028 (less than a decade from now0], and chart a future path for Mars exploration.

*”NASA’s lunar presence will focus on science, resource management, and risk reduction for future missions to Mars.”

*”NASA will create a Moon-to-Mars Mission Directorate and make all necessary efforts to achieve Exploration Mission-1, a mission around the Moon without a crew.

*”Exploration Mission-1 will take place no later than 2020 (next year) and a crewed mission around the Moon, Exploration Mission-2, will take place no later than 2022 (3 years from now).

*”NASA will unleash American industry, including through public-private partnerships, to enhance innovation and the sustainability of its space activities.

*”The United States will engage with international partners to enable a sustainable lunar exploration and development program.

*”An American has not walked on the Moon in 47 years [no human being, for that matter], but President Trump is working to change that.

*”To achieve this goal, President Trump is taking action to ensure that American astronauts get to their destination quickly and sustainably.”

*”These recommendations follow President Trump’s bold call for America to go back to the Moon and establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars.

*”The President’s Space Policy calls for NASA to lead an innovative space program with commercial and international partners.

*”Americans will return to the Moon for long-term exploration, followed by missions to Mars and beyond.”