Bush Plans Science Base on the Moon

[Buliwyf]

http://comcast.net/News/DOMESTIC//XML/1501_Science/accb1f91-79e6-496b-a177-30a45ae4a8ca.html


don't know about any of you, but I am enjoying the direction and steps we have been taking as of late regarding the space program.

What we need are set goals and timeframes to move this along.

[Mugzy]

This is soo cool. Thats one thing I am starting to like about Bush, he is really into space exploration.

Originally posted by Buliwyf
http://comcast.net/News/DOMESTIC//XML/1501_Science/accb1f91-79e6-496b-a177-30a45ae4a8ca.html


don't know about any of you, but I am enjoying the direction and steps we have been taking as of late regarding the space program.

What we need are set goals and timeframes to move this along.

Seems as if this recent Mars excursion has re-kindled the general public's interest in space exploration. I think building a structure on the moon should prove quite interesting, as alot of architectural doctrine might not apply the same way on a different planet.

[hightimber]

Originally posted by Buliwyf
[url]What we need are set goals and timeframes to move this along.

Yes, let's avoid broad strokes and set definite goals. i.e. Moon base by 2020. Manned mission to Mars by 2040, etc.

Go, NASA!

[Jim0322]

Originally posted by Mugzy
This is soo cool. Thats one thing I am starting to like about Bush, he is really into space exploration.

I am all for it. But how is he going to pay for it? Bush is all about cutting taxes despite our massive federal deficit that continues to increase.

Jim

[JimmyTango]

Set goals can lead to problems. Remember the set goal to send a teacher in space by X-date?

Personally, I question the needed expense of this(mainly the manned moon station). Going to mars would be cool though. This country is in huge debt as is, do we need all of this expense? Sounds cool and all, but what difference is there with a moon base compared to a space station orbitting earth?

[JimmyTango]

Originally posted by Jim0322
I am all for it. But how is he going to pay for it? Bush is all about cutting taxes despite our massive federal deficit that continues to increase.

Jim

Good thing the FED has cut the interests rates, and are keeping them there, or this economy would have imploded.

Originally posted by Jim0322
I am all for it. But how is he going to pay for it? Bush is all about cutting taxes despite our massive federal deficit that continues to increase.

Jim

Hopefully by privatizing the project. We really need some private space-exploration enterprises, will really kick up the pace.

[Jeffro]

Maybe going to the moon will make people believe that it's actually possible to goto the moon...

Because of the controversy in 1969...

[Major SONAR]

Call me a dingleberry, but I think it's a big waste of money. Dont' get me wrong I think space exploration is great and all that, in fact, I love astronomy... but what purpose is there in a moon base? We've been there and didn't find much.

I like what Bush has been doing, but I feel like I pay plenty of taxes as it is now. Do we really need another multi-billion dollar project? Go to Mars if you must, but skip the moon.

Originally posted by Major SONAR
Call me a dingleberry, but I think it's a big waste of money. Dont' get me wrong I think space exploration is great and all that, in fact, I love astronomy... but what purpose is there in a moon base? We've been there and didn't find much.

It's not what we can find there, rather what we can discover there. First off, it serves as a testing ground for further colonization, as well as establishing bases on other celestial bodies. Secondly, there is reduced gravity on the moon/a different atmosphere, which could affect the way chemicals react, plants grow, an infinite amount of situations. Thirdly, there may be minerals/elemental deposits/alloys below the surface of the moon (possibly not found on earth) that we could excavate and use. Betterment of the species!

[Major SONAR]

It's not what we can find there, rather what we can discover there. First off, it serves as a testing ground for further colonization, as well as establishing bases on other celestial bodies. Secondly, there is reduced gravity on the moon/a different atmosphere, which could affect the way chemicals react, plants grow, an infinite amount of situations. Thirdly, there may be minerals/elemental deposits/alloys below the surface of the moon (possibly not found on earth) that we could excavate and use. Betterment of the species!

You make some good points, but we do have the international space station, which conducts experiments in a zero G enviroment.

I agree there could be minerals below the surface and the moon base could be used as a testing ground for future colonization.

I suppose I'm concerned about the expense... don't you feel like you pay enough in taxes and have little to show for it? Isn't there a better place here on Earth where the money could be spent? I'm not saying I'm opposed to a moon base; I'm just wondering what the potential returns for us will be.

Can someone say "I want to be president after November"?

Dont get me wrong, im all for it, i just think its a publicity stunt.

Originally posted by Major SONAR

I suppose I'm concerned about the expense... don't you feel like you pay enough in taxes and have little to show for it? Isn't there a better place here on Earth where the money could be spent? I'm not saying I'm opposed to a moon base; I'm just wondering what the potential returns for us will be.

I agree with you 100%, that's why I was saying that I hope that they privatize it. I think leaving space exploration solely in the hands of the government will lead to more misappropriation of funds, pork initiatives, and more polititians and politics where there should be scientists, entrepeneurs and explorers (like the days of old).

Originally posted by JimmyTango
Sounds cool and all, but what difference is there with a moon base compared to a space station orbitting earth?

Simple, The international space station is a united program with Russia, Japan, the U.S.A., and England. Considering the fact that Russia was supposed to have reserved several funds and equipment for the space station and have not followed through with the alloted time I feel it serves as national pride to continue on a sole trek to something new like a moon base. We have invested billions upon billions to help in the space station when at all truths its considered an international project people tend to forget that the U.S. is doing basically the entire work.

I'm all for private investing to help NASA and taxpayers from cutting into the already deep hole of federal debt.