How to colonize the Moon without busting NASA’s budget

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  • Thread starter WarrenPlatts
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In summary, this article argues that the US should withdraw from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which states that the Moon is a "scientific International Park," and that the Air Force should take over the project. The author suggests that this will save money for NASA and allow for more advanced space exploration.
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batboy said:
Because of our gravity, the moon will be a cheaper launching point. Thus, saving future NASA assets. They'll ship parts there and have people assemble them there. It's basically expanding NASA, another facility. This makes sense to me.
It doesn't make sense to me. Having lifted material up from the Earth, why would you then lower it back down to the Moon. For the sole purpose of assembly? And then lift it up again because it's a cheap launching point? Here's a better idea. Assemble the stuff in space.

I think it makes more sense to colonize space than colonize the moon. The moon can provide a very important service, but not as an assembly point. Rather as a source of raw materials. A relatively small community on the moon could provide the materials for large structures used to colonize space. My ideas on this subject come from books I read 30 or more years ago mostly inspired by Gerard O'Neill.

Here is a site to start with in order to look into the scientific and legal issues involved in space colonization.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L5_Society"
 
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<h2>1. How much would it cost to colonize the Moon?</h2><p>The cost of colonizing the Moon would depend on various factors such as the size of the colony, the number of people, and the resources needed. However, estimates range from $35 billion to $500 billion.</p><h2>2. Is it possible to colonize the Moon without NASA's involvement?</h2><p>Yes, it is possible to colonize the Moon without NASA's involvement. Private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have expressed interest in sending humans to the Moon and establishing a colony.</p><h2>3. What resources are needed to sustain a colony on the Moon?</h2><p>The main resources needed to sustain a colony on the Moon would include oxygen, water, food, and shelter. These resources can be obtained through various methods such as extracting water from lunar ice and using hydroponic systems for food production.</p><h2>4. How long would it take to establish a colony on the Moon?</h2><p>The timeline for establishing a colony on the Moon would depend on the resources and funding available. With current technology, it could take anywhere from 5 to 10 years to build a sustainable colony.</p><h2>5. What challenges would need to be overcome to colonize the Moon?</h2><p>Some of the main challenges that would need to be overcome to colonize the Moon include the harsh environment, lack of resources, and the high cost of transportation. Additionally, there would also be challenges related to the psychological and physiological effects of living in a low-gravity environment for extended periods of time.</p>

1. How much would it cost to colonize the Moon?

The cost of colonizing the Moon would depend on various factors such as the size of the colony, the number of people, and the resources needed. However, estimates range from $35 billion to $500 billion.

2. Is it possible to colonize the Moon without NASA's involvement?

Yes, it is possible to colonize the Moon without NASA's involvement. Private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have expressed interest in sending humans to the Moon and establishing a colony.

3. What resources are needed to sustain a colony on the Moon?

The main resources needed to sustain a colony on the Moon would include oxygen, water, food, and shelter. These resources can be obtained through various methods such as extracting water from lunar ice and using hydroponic systems for food production.

4. How long would it take to establish a colony on the Moon?

The timeline for establishing a colony on the Moon would depend on the resources and funding available. With current technology, it could take anywhere from 5 to 10 years to build a sustainable colony.

5. What challenges would need to be overcome to colonize the Moon?

Some of the main challenges that would need to be overcome to colonize the Moon include the harsh environment, lack of resources, and the high cost of transportation. Additionally, there would also be challenges related to the psychological and physiological effects of living in a low-gravity environment for extended periods of time.

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