Why is NASA waiting so long to go back to the Moon?

Answer 1

Because it's really, really expensive to get there, and the benefits of returning have not been worth the expense.

While there are all kinds of important scientific and commercial benefits to a project like the International Space Station, there's not much more we need from the moon at this point.

Perhaps someday, if the means of reaching the moon become cheaper, we find some mineral or other resource worth exploiting that's only available on the moon, or it becomes a useful stepping stone to reaching other planets or the mineral rich asteroid belt, then it will be worth returning to the moon.

Answer 2

If the first landings had been hoaxes, then it would have been easy to get money for more hoaxes.

Imagine: you can convince people that you will spend a gazillion dollars of their money on going to the Moon; of that, you spend a few million on a convincing theatrical set up and put the rest of the money in your pocket. Who could resist?

The truth is: money spent on space programs does not provide votes (at least, not the way it used to), it does not fulfil a need in the population (e.g., the need to prove that we are better than others) and it does not provide benefits like in the good ol' days (the need, since the 1960s to miniaturize, computerize and automatize everything sent in space, led to major benefits for industry).

Whatever benefits we get from space exploration right now (and there are still some) can be obtained without going to the Moon. It is expensive to go to the Moon, compared to just staying out there (landing and taking off again is the most expensive part of the trip).

Answer 3

Some people say money..some people say laziness..and some others say they've already "secretly" landed on the moon.



But don't listen to that crap. It's because we don't have the technology. It may sound silly, but it's true. We just don't have the technology. What we have right now are space shuttles. They have wheels to land on runways, quite like airplanes. But, seeing as there's no runways on the moon, how would we land? That's what the scientists at NASA are trying to figure out.

Answer 4

Pretty easy:

1) We don't have a reason

2) There is little more to be gained from it

3) It is very costly

4) We currently don't even have a rocket big enough (more cost)

5) NASA should have better things to do with our money (but current admin is pushing for a Moon landing)

Answer 5

1. There is no more space race so the rush to get there before someone else does not exist.
2. Sending anything into space is very expensive so NASA is taking it one step at a time.

Answer 6

Its called money. Every program must get money from congress and congress must approve every program. Congress cut off funding of the Apollo missions before they were finished and it is just now that congress is willing to approve a new program and give them money to go back to the moon.

Answer 7

May be the 1st landing was a hoax

http://www.aulis.com/skeleton.html