Science & Tech · Space · 9 hrs ago
US and China face major challenges in building bases on the moon
The US and China are competing to build bases on the moon.
NASA hopes to establish a small lunar city by the end of the century.
The moon is a dangerous place to live, with radiation, sharp dust, extreme temperature swings and the risk of falling asteroids.
A large base would need to protect its residents and become partly self-sustaining.
That would require autonomous robots, nuclear power and ways to use materials found on the moon.
These challenges make building a lunar settlement a major technical task.
Political will may be an even bigger obstacle.
The plan described is a goal for the end of the century, but no further steps are specified.
The United States and China are racing to build bases on the moon.
NASA hopes to establish a small lunar city by the end of the century.
A lunar base would need protection from asteroids, cosmic radiation, sharp dust and extreme temperature swings.
It would also need autonomous robots, nuclear power and ways to use lunar resources to keep operating.
The article identifies political will as a possible chief obstacle.
- Who
- The United States and China are racing to build lunar bases.
- What
- They face challenges in establishing bases on the moon.
- When
- NASA hopes to establish a small lunar city by the end of the century.
- Where
- The moon.
- Why
- Lunar bases must protect inhabitants from harsh conditions and become somewhat self-sustaining; political will may also be an obstacle.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Countries
- United States and China
- NASA goal
- A small lunar city by the end of the century
- Hazards
- Asteroids, cosmic radiation, lunar dust and extreme temperature swings
- Operational needs
- Autonomous robots, nuclear power and use of lunar resources
What people are saying
But the chief obstacle may be one of political will.
Sources
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