Moon or Mars? Why not both, acting NASA head Janet Petro says

[Admin]

NASA still views the moon as a stepping stone to Mars, even though Elon Musk has dismissed Earth's nearest neighbor as "a distraction."

Moon or Mars? Why not both, acting NASA head Janet Petro says : Read more

 

[Classical Motion]

I am certainly no expert but Mars is too far. We need more off world experience and the Moon is perfect for that. The only bad part is that dust.

The only thing that can profit us is the location and environment for experiment and measurement. We should learn to use it. But it will cost. And no Moon harvest. Or plunder.

The far side is the only radio quiet area we have left. And that observation time is limited.

It will take years of logistics to go to Mars. Let’s learn on the Moon before riding on Mars.

 

[COLGeek]

I am certainly no expert but Mars is too far. We need more off world experience and the Moon is perfect for that. The only bad part is that dust.

The only thing that can profit us is the location and environment for experiment and measurement. We should learn to use it. But it will cost. And no Moon harvest. Or plunder.

The far side is the only radio quiet area we have left. And that observation time is limited.

It will take years of logistics to go to Mars. Let’s learn on the Moon before riding on Mars.

Agreed and then there is the matter of resources ($$$).

 

[Classical Motion]

Maybe this is a stretch but, we might be able to Moon orbit a rotating space station, with warehouse, crew quarters, fueling and maintenance bays for space taxis, plus a Moon base station…… for the cost of a Mars trip.

Too much?

If only we could fine a new stable element with new properties or some other prize. We need a reward.

Ruff ruff.

If only that dust was magic.

 

[Keithrc]

Going to Mars is an order of magnitude more difficult than going back to the moon. Anyone who says that this intermediate step is unnecessary is a dummy.

 

[George²]

Agreed and then there is the matter of resources ($$$).

Seems like no problem to spend trillions for making crypto "coins" and for "AI". For wars too.

 

[COLGeek]

Seems like no problem to spend trillions for making crypto "coins" and for "AI". For wars too.

Not really relevant in regards to NASA's budget though.