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ESA Holds Workshop On Lunar Base Design

Posted by Hemos on from the designing-for-the-future dept.

plasticpixel writes "Space.com is reporting that a workshop is underway in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, to discuss and plan extraterrestrial bases for human settlement of the Moon. Full story is online. Reminds me of the lunar base I designed when I was about 9 years old for a school project. Too bad I didn't have the backing of NASA or the ESA back then. "

2 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Not as good as it sounds. by surfcow · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "International Team Explores Lunar Base Proposals", sounds great, but the teams are composed entirely of students with no power to do anything except study ideas. So, a better headline might be "International students discuss lunar base proposals."

    I wish it was as good as the headline sounds.
    The story has nothing on real-world issues like funding, design, lobbying, private sector support - nada.

    The biggest stumbling block to a true lunar base is political. Many (mostly conservative) lawmakers think that any money spend on space (other than defense spending) is a total waste. Many of those that are interested in space seem to think that the Moon should be completely ignored in favor of Mars, no matter what, no discussion, period. The former head of NASA was one of these. And we haven't been to the moon in about 25 years.

    If I had a wish, it would be that these students study and publicize the politics behind those groups that are keeping us from funding a legit moon base.

    =brian

  2. a waste of time.... by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Insightful

    the LAST thing we need is "moon base" designs. we need important people with big enough balls to shame the US government into funding it. you can design until your head falls off, it means squat if you cant build it.

    How about getting together a coalition to figure out how to get the funding to build a moonbase instead of wasting time and money.

    I cant remember who said it back in the 80's... but he was right... "The only way to get the human race to the stars in a big way is to have a war with another species where we have to go to space.. until then the morons that run the government will do nothing."

    So, can we declare war against Alpha Centauri yet?

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.