#LunarOutpost

[brentborloo-blog]

How we can build a moon base today

If wanting to leave this planet has always been your dream, then you might be in luck.

By 2024 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans on establishing an outpost on the moon. Unlike the previous lunar missions, the astronauts who will participate in this expedition will likely stay there indefinitely. The Artemis mission (Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology) will also deliver the first woman on the moon.

But why should we go back to the moon?

Building a lunar base can benefit our life on earth in multiple ways. First of all the achievement of building such a complex structure out of the comfort of our planet will be an inspiration for generations to come, not only for young aspiring scientists and engineers, but also for the political leaders of the future. By making this an international effort, this mission will be an example of what humanity is capable of when working together on a common goal.

Artist’s interpretation of a lunar outpost

Secondly, the outpost will serve as a hub for future travels to Mars and other planets. Making humanity independent from Earth is essential for the survival of our species in the future. The Moon has less gravity to overcome and no atmosphere. This means that larger loads can be transported into our Milky Way with less fuel compared to Earth.

Finally, it would create a vast array of new technologies that would also benefit the people on Earth.

How would we do it then?

Today we have the technology to establish a moon base. At first this base will still be reliant on Earth for basic resources. The moon is a very hostile place to live. The people who will be living there will need constant air supply, a steady source of water and protection from cosmic radiation. Since the Apollo program, satellites have been mapping the moon and lunar rovers have analysed the composition of the soil. With all this information in mind, we basically know everything we need to know to establish a first outpost. The first crew of astronauts will consist of scientists and engineers who will try to develop ways of using the available lunar material. Lunar dust could be used for building materials and purifying the lunar ice could produce water for human consumption. Water is critical, not only for drinking, but also for experiments with growing plants for food. Electricity can be stored in hydrogen fuel cells and water can also be split into hydrogen and oxygen, used for rocket fuel. 

Recent estimates from NASA and the private sector suggest that a moon base can be build for 20 to 40 billion dollars, spread over ten years. This is about the cost of the International Space Station. It is a big investment, but just imagine what the payoff could be. Over time the moon outpost will expand in a colony which is self-reliant for the most part. This means a whole new space economy will emerge built on mining, tourism and scientific research. The Moon will not only be a place for scientists and engineers, but also for merchants and entrepreneurs.

NASA could definetely fly me to the moon, how about you?

SOURCES:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtQkz0aRDe8

https://www.csis.org/analysis/costs-international-lunar-base

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moon2mars/#top

https://www.space.com/30008-moon-colony-cost-commercial-space-report.html

https://www.businessinsider.nl/nasa-estimates-20-billion-30-billion-cost-people-moon-2024-2019-6?international=true&r=US

https://www.businessinsider.nl/nasa-artemis-moon-base-apollo-space-rocket-sls-2019-9?international=true&r=US

[hinge]

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