Establishing a Permanent Moon Base (Luna Base) would be a challenging task. The first step in building a Luna Base would be to set up Habitats and Laboratories. They probably would be modified Space Station Modules.
Possible uses for a Moon Base are: Outpost for astronomical studies, Stepping Stone to the Planets, an Abundant source of Raw Materials, mining for Helium-3 and Space Tourism.
Lunar Surface Power Stations could use solar panels to collect solar power. The electricity collected could be beamed to receivers on Earth. Construction of the stations could be made from materials from the moon.
NASA Moonbase
In 2006 NASA announced plans to construct a solar-powered outpost at one the moon’s poles. The lunar base was expected to be permanently staffed by 2024. The outpost concept was chosen over a competing strategy similar to the 1960s and 1970s Apollo program—a series of brief trips to the moon.
The moon base would allowed for sustained human presence on the moon’s surface and help the agency prepare for future missions to Mars and beyond. The announcement was part of NASA’s congressionally mandated strategy to meet U.S. President George W. Bush’s “Vision for U.S. Space Exploration,” a plan outlined in 2004.
The Bush plan included returning humans to the moon no later than 2020. The goal was to take advantage of the moon’s resources and to establish a launching point for further explorations. The plan was cancelled in 2009.
Stages in Building a Moonbase
The first manned missions to the moon maybe launched by a super heavy launch vehicle like NASA’s Space Launch System, Russia’s future super rocket or China’s Long March 9. They might consist of a spacecraft orbiting the moon and lunar lander for landing on the moon.
Initial Moon exploration may involve a crew of 3 people. Intitial base modules may include a main habitation module, science module and lunar rovers.
The next stage will be the creation of a Moon Base. This might consist of modules like Habitation modules, nuclear power module or solar power modules, Astronomy Laboratory and Manned Moon Rovers. These modules might have repositioning wheels installed on them in order to dock to create a form of a moveable train.
At a later stage a Propellant Depot / Space Dock may be created at L2 or L1 for storing cryogenic propellants or storable propellants or cargo. A future reusable lunar lander like Blue Origin’s Blue Moon (if developed) could be used to deliver cargo to the moon. Commercial launch industry may launch cargo / fuel spacecraft either directly from Earth to L1 / L2 or they could launch the products to low Earth orbit and use a Orbital Transfer Vehicle / Space Tug. The Space Tug could be propelled either using rocket propulsion or solar electric propulsion.
When will we build a Moonbase?
The logical step after the International Space Station (ISS) will be to develop a Luna Base (Moonbase). Will this happen? Who knows?
Time is running out-we are all getting OLDER! So if you read this, email NASA and spread the word. We need Action! Governments seem to lack the will.
An Idea?
We need to start designing Moon Base modules on the cheap! Countries such as the USA can design modules and pay Russian companies to build them.
Books
The Lunar Base Handbook by Peter Eckart, Buzz Aldrin
From Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk,
The Once and Future Moon by Paul D. Spudis
From Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk,
DVD/Video
Project Moonbase (1953) – this is an old film and you might find it interesting.
From Amazon.com – VHs, Amazon.com – DVD, Amazon.ca. If your looking for difficult to find books, dvd, video or anything, try the auctions page.
Audio Books
Dr Who: Moonbase: BBC America, BBC Shop UK and Europe
Patrick Troughton plays the second Doctor in this four-episode adventure from 1967, set on Earth’s moon and featuring a return appearance by the emotionless Cybermen. The year is 2070, and Earth’s weather is controlled by a device called the Gravitron, based on the Moon and manned by an internation team of experts. 2-CD Set.
Moonbase Links:
- Mwades’ Soviet Manned Lunar Projects:
- Building a Moon base with 3D printing: by European Space Agency – ESA.
- Inside the ESA’s Plan To Build the First Moon Base:
- Can Earth Be Powered by Energy Beamed From Moon?
Any comments or suggestions on a Future Moonbase, click on contact info.
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