2006-07-12 14:54:37 · 12 answers · asked by Pete Allison 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Given that the People's Republic of China has publicly stated interests in a lunar expedition, it's likely that there might be a revival of the Space Race, which is why we went to the moon in the first place. The question will then be if we will use the moon as a staging ground for something larger, such as an expedition to Mars.
Returning to the moon would require some motivation on the part of the United States. Since we've already proven that we can go there, the political value is low. Given the prohibitive costs of transportation of materials, commercial value is similarly low. Many scientists feel that research of the lunar surface can best be conducted by unmanned probes, so the scientific value is low. Given that is would be easier to colonize the oceans than space in the near term, population concerns as low as well.
So why would be wish to return to the moon? Probably for the same reason Space Ship One was built, because it's there, and someone will want the honour of walking on the lunar surface. Thus, I believe that if the U.S. does return to the moon, it will probably result from a private consortium rather than a government project.
2006-07-12 18:44:00 · answer #1 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think moon missions will simply be test flights for a new spacecraft that will get us to the next rung on the ladder: Mars. That will be a HUGE step for mankind in the sciences and exploration.
2006-07-13 05:47:27 · answer #2 · answered by whosyodaddy3030 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NASA hopes they'll get funded for the moon project which is part of the Mars project.
China seems more interested in the moon than the U.S.
2006-07-13 00:32:44 · answer #3 · answered by JB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're working on it now. Go to NASA.gov and check out the new moon program.
2006-07-12 21:57:49 · answer #4 · answered by Paleo C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're going to Mars!
2006-07-12 21:58:49 · answer #5 · answered by -* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope so - we need to explore other potential habitats for humanity should we be unable to curb population growth.
We just have to stay off Europa - "ATTEMPT NO LANDINGS THERE."
2006-07-12 22:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by wheezer_april_4th_1966 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's a good economic reason for us to go back there.
2006-07-13 04:19:57 · answer #7 · answered by Ken W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well yes it will by 2018 i suppose.
2006-07-13 03:34:23 · answer #8 · answered by geoff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-07-13 00:54:36 · answer #9 · answered by MTSU history student 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but there's certainly no GOOD! reason to..
2006-07-12 21:58:48 · answer #10 · answered by flignar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋