PROJECTS - Earth's MOON
THREE MAJOR HURDLES to overcome before extended stay operations can take place on the Moon. I stress these hurdles as major because they would be present in any asteroid operation and mitigation aspects would be beneficial in the manned exploration of Mars.
I have two groups on Facebook that I invite you to post your findings and comments - they are:
These hurdles are presented only as an introduction and providing the reader an initial number of links to allow their independent exploration - more on each will be coming.
Robotics that works on the Earth's surface should not be expected to operate on the lunar or asteroid surfaces without mitigating "dust" and electrostatic charging impacts.
What we now know to exist on the Moon are hydrogen, helium-3, silicon, iron, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, manganese, sodium and titanium. Found in trace amounts are carbon, uranium, thorium and potassium.
Why return humans to the Moon?
Space-based platforms for discovery, tracking and mitigation of Near Earth Objects (NEOs inclusive of meteors) and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that may pose a direct planetary threat.
Space-based platform for the detection/tracking/rendezvous/harvesting of co-orbital and other asteroids ( inclusive of helium-3 ).
Biologic and other waste disposal methodologies
A lunar presence to dissuade the establishment of an aggressive military or corporate entity having the potential or goal of denying access to the lunar surface and outer space environment. (Space Laws and Treaties do not ensure all entities exploring space will abide by them. Specifically any treaty member is allowed to withdraw from it. Anyone in total control of a resource such as helium-3 can maintain control and market it for any sum they choose.)
