Yuri_Armstrong":i595zhub said:
I don't think the situation will be similar. The first people going back to the moon will be scientists and astronauts, and I expect private companies to set up small bases there first too. I think the apollo sites will be adequately protected.
I envy your faith in human nature. I'm afraid I can't be so generous, because the situation is
identical to the exploitation of Egyptian artifacts. Even the Pharaohs couldn't protect their tombs from their own people.
The French and British also sent their best scientists of the day to Egypt to supervise the plundering. World travelers at the time were something akin to our Mission Specialists today.
As for private companies: The French and British had these also. Remember, British companies harvested mummies from the vast number of tombs in Egypt and exported them around the world to be used as
party favors and
fuel, for crying out loud. Anything for a profit. Apollo artifacts would be profitable.
I know I'd buy a piece of the Apollo 11 lander if it were affordable and legal.