I've had it with the speculation. Can we just return for crying out loud?
They pulled it off time after time more than forty f-ing years ago using Flintstone tech, and we can't even get our asses up there for a prolonged manned orbit? Or to establish moon-based telescope or or communication system? Or maybe a serious laboratory? Or way-point for other exploration? Or hell, how about just a solar powered moon cam and with a simple public internet moon space weather station right there at Tranquility base? Yeah, I'd even settle for THAT!
Don't tell me we can't afford it; That's absolute bullshit. We have proven we can literally lose two trillion dollars with a blink and a shrug with no measurable outrage.
The advancement in technologies over the past four decades allows it and demands it.
I already have their first scientific test when they get there. Show the effects on man-made materials after sitting on the moon for over four decades
Quoting: Truthache Sure we can waste money but ALL funding for NASA is controlled by Congress. If they decide to spend money then it happens. They haven't decided to mostly because they are all short sighted looking to the next election and the payoff is longer. Have you written to your Congressman asking for what you want? I'll bet you haven't.
What technology advancement are you talking about? Computers? How many megabytes does it take to get to orbit? Rocket tech is largely the same and still requiring massive expensive rockets.
Waste money? Are you shitting me? I wasn't kidding about the 2 trillion dollars you know. 2 trillion. Gone. Poof! Oh well, nothing to see here, GONE!
As far as advancements I'm not just talking on board computers, I'm talking about
every aspect. Automated Machining processes, Manufacturing, Materials and equipment advancement, Engineering, Testing and measuring, Communication tech, video tech, and where do you want me to stop?
All this and you don't think the industry could shit out a module and an Apollo rocket in half the time with greater quality and control?
As far as funding is concerned, the fact is they wouldn't even have to front the expense. All congress REALLY has to do is issue partial support of a massive world funded prize upon completion- say $250 billion or so- for the successful manned mission which meets certain goals.
Imagine the effort it would produce.
Just give the program a catchy name, have the government step aside, and watch it happen the way things are supposed to.
Anyone that says it can't happen has a conflicting agenda.
