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From what I was reading, the long term goal is to make a colony. If we could make a colony on the moon that opens up a lot of possibilities. Especially, if it can be made largely self sufficient using local resources. It could also be a launchpad for exploring the rest of the solar system. You could build a space elevator on the moon much easier than on Earth for example, you can use nuclear energy without worrying about environmental pollution, etc. All of that is obviously far in the future, but you have to start somewhere.
You could make a space elevator easier that’s true. But due to the low gravity and lack of an atmosphere, you see mass drivers suggested more often. They’re also much simpler.
Mass drivers are definitely simpler and will almost certainly get built first, but they don’t quite fill the same role because space elevator allows for docking in orbit.
National pride, perhaps? The 2nd nation in history to land a human on the Moon would be absolutely astonishing.
Additionally, to help in the establishment of a lunar base to serve as a platform for rocket launches to Mars or for mining operations; tasks that cannot be fully completed - even by robots.
I stand corrected. I did not realize they never landed cosmonauts. I swear I thought I had read they did but then I have not a lot of knowledge of that area.
I agree, I think the future is in humanoid remote drones.
We know from space stations that humans do really poorly without standard gravity, and not having to worry about food or water on the ground is a significant benefit.
What are the advantages of a manner mission vs an unmanned one? Other than prestige, I can think of very few pros vs plentiful cons
From what I was reading, the long term goal is to make a colony. If we could make a colony on the moon that opens up a lot of possibilities. Especially, if it can be made largely self sufficient using local resources. It could also be a launchpad for exploring the rest of the solar system. You could build a space elevator on the moon much easier than on Earth for example, you can use nuclear energy without worrying about environmental pollution, etc. All of that is obviously far in the future, but you have to start somewhere.
You could make a space elevator easier that’s true. But due to the low gravity and lack of an atmosphere, you see mass drivers suggested more often. They’re also much simpler.
Mass drivers are definitely simpler and will almost certainly get built first, but they don’t quite fill the same role because space elevator allows for docking in orbit.
Oh true but orbital rings are the sexiest option of course. Less necessary for the moon than the Earth though.
now there’s a megaproject :)
National pride, perhaps? The 2nd nation in history to land a human on the Moon would be absolutely astonishing.
Additionally, to help in the establishment of a lunar base to serve as a platform for rocket launches to Mars or for mining operations; tasks that cannot be fully completed - even by robots.
Exactly. China establishing a lunar base would pay off in dividends for future space exploration for decades.
Pretty sure it would be the 3rd yeah? The Soviets also performed manned lunar landings.
The Soviets never landed a human on the Moon, which is what I meant.
I stand corrected. I did not realize they never landed cosmonauts. I swear I thought I had read they did but then I have not a lot of knowledge of that area.
Humans can do a lot of things that robots can’t yet
I agree, I think the future is in humanoid remote drones.
We know from space stations that humans do really poorly without standard gravity, and not having to worry about food or water on the ground is a significant benefit.