WHICH COMES FIRST?

Right now all the talk, among the public and in the halls of government, is about one nation launching a new mission to our Moon. The implications from each discussion are that whoever lands back on the Moon claims it. In our opinion this must be avoided at all costs. The Moon and any settlement on it is totally an international issue.

So, before we even begin to develop a new mission to the Moon, must we first establish the Global Space Congress we call for? We believe it should be the other way around. We start the new Moon mission, but with the participation of as many international invitees as possible. Like the International Space Station we declare the mission an international one. From this definite and positive beginning we then begin to build the structure of the GSC. We certify this, by making certain that when our mission lands back on the Moon we declare it an international achievement.  Ideally we signify this by planting an international banner instead of any one nation's flag on the surface of the Moon.

Ho hum! Here come the international lawyers and diplomats seeking to carve out prime spots both on the Moon and on the developing GSC.  We need to avoid this by clearly establishing in the staffing of the Moon mission a command hierarchy based on expertise and mission goals.  As we have seen, again, with the ISS, command assignments rotate. We should expect to do this as the rule on all future Moon missions as well as the eventual leadership of the Moon Base itself.

So, the protocol exists by virtue of what we have accomplished with the ISS. We need to extend and expand that protocol to be the rule for the Moon Base program. By following this existing procedure we do not delay progress in getting ready for the initial Moon mission while, as we specify, we start the building process of the Global Space Congress.  Can we do it?  Will we do it?  Well, where do we want humankind to be 100 years from now?  To answer that question we must start now, and start with Moon Base Apollo.

CREDITS: The image in this blog article is courtesy of NASA and is of the ISS Expedition 18 crew.

WHY THE MOON, FIRST?

Well, despite the "been there, done that" crowd, there are thousands of reasons, both emotional and scientific for returning to the Moon as our NEXT STEP for humankind.  For some, including us, just being able to sit on the Moon and experience a succession of Earth rises may be enough reason. It would be a magical and endearing reminder of how vital and precious our home planet is.  That, notwithstanding, there are some very important arguments, both scientific and commercial for choosing to create a permanent Moon Base, and to make it our launch point for extended explorations of our solar system.

Although there are a host of commercial goals related to a Moon Base operation, our focus is on a Moon Base as the key Command and Control center for the launching of extended solar system explorations.  Associated with this objective are on-site explorations to determine the most suitable location for a permanent lunar-style "JSC and KSC" operation.  In this regard, the accessibility of the Moon to Earth, its size and potential to accommodate both extensive civil and commercial operations make it an ideal initial space-based, long term operation.  The ongoing habitation and support research carried out by both NASA and the Moon Society increasingly indicate the suitability of a lunar site for our future human spaceflight operations. You may click here to view a presentation by the Moon Society on current and forcasted lunar missions.

Our development of a permanent Moon Base will take a considerable investment in time and expense.  In this regard, our position on the creation of a Global Space Congress would provide an international investment of money, manpower, and technology toward the achievement of the lunar site. Yes, there will be mistakes and setbacks, but these will be offset by an overall progress. The international participation strengthens this program just as it has with the International Space Station. It will be the second most important step in solidifying global unity for deep space exploration and eventual commercial operations.

It is doubtful that most Earthlings will venture very far into outer space. Perhaps, in time, there will be commercial jaunts into Low Earth Orbit, and eventually tourist operations on our Moon. This latter offering will further strengthen humankind's appreciation of and concern for both planet Earth and the overall status of our solar system. These are key elements that bind us into a full-fledged space-faring citizenry. This will insure the next phase of human evolution will have begun.

As we have implied above, the establishment of a lunar base is a joint and solidifying venture. From a logistics standpoint the proximity of our Moon to Earth makes the transport of  crews and supplies a serious, but attainable and sustainable process. In this regard, we envision the design and development of a LunaShuttle that will fulfill the transport and trucking needs of the Moon exploration and settlement teams. We will discuss, in detail, the LunaShuttle in following blog articles. We will say this, that once launched LunaShuttles will remain parked at an expanded ISS/Servicing Facility when they are not on duty. More on this later, with more detail.

We have avoided the classic explorers' explanation for their motivation. "because it is there", but to some extent it directly applies to establishing a Moon Base first.  It is a resource-full large space station at  a reasonable distance that offers ample support for all of our future space exploration missions. Besides, it is really very much part of us and to ignore its potential and promise is to make our efforts more difficult and more expensive. It is a Sleeping Beauty waiting to be awakened again.

CREDITS: The image of the Earth-rise was taken by the Apollo 8 astronauts as they orbited our Moon. Courtesy NASA and the Apollo 8 astronauts.

A GLOBAL SPACE CONGRESS

No single nation on planet Earth should dominate space, especially deep space.  The exploration of our solar system and beyond is and should be expanded to represent all nations of this planet.  We used the present tense in the preceding statement because the International Space Station is a great example of the global cooperation that must prevail in all our future space exploration efforts.

Our view is that efforts must be made now, not later, to organize what we describe as a Global Space Congress (GSC). This entity becomes the governing body of all space activities launched for the exploration of space. It includes and encourages commercial ventures in this regard through the issuance of specific exploration or service licences.  These two authorizations are explained below. Right now we will discuss the organization of the GSC

The Global Space Congress (GSC): Every nation on planet Earth is eligible to become a member of the GSC.  Membership is through representation by an elected/appointed delegate and staff from a country or, like the European Space Agency (ESA), a group of nations. The overall operation of the GSC is managed by an Executive Council.  The Executive Council is elected by a full majority of the GSC.  Leadership of the Executive Council is elected by the a total majority of the Executive Council members.  Both the Executive Council and its leaders serve at the pleasure of the GSC and for an eight year term.  The Executive Council appoints a variety of special committees all related to the overall space exploration mission of the GSC. All such committee appointments are subject to the approval of the GSC by a majority vote.

GSC Prime Functions: (1) The GSC, its Executive Council and Committees are responsible for the review and approval (licensing) of all space exploration and space service operations.  This activity results in a full coordination of scientific and technical programs in support of each approved mission. (2) The GSC and its special finance committee oversees and coordinates global funding for each approved mission. Additionally the GSC Science Committee coordinates and monitors the funding and progress of approved space science research projects.  These R&D projects are global in nature and do not include specific academic or commercial research projects that are not directly related to specific space exploration projects. Certain Astronomy and Astrobiology projects are two examples that could be independent of GSC control.

The above is a preliminary concept of those primary functions. It is anticipated that other prime functions will develop as the organization comes into existence and begins to operate.

Licensing: The GSC and its Executive Council/Committees are responsible for issuing licenses that authorize a joint venture space exploration mission that is comprised of both civil and commercial activities. This licensing is to insure that the goals of the GSC are respected and followed as well as the authorization of both funding and technical support for each approved mission. The licensing requirement also strives to control the spread of "space junk" in both low Earth orbits and in other planetary orbits within the solar system.

In some special cases, licenses will be granted to global commercial activities that are seeking to conduct business (mining,  tourism, etc) activities in both Low Earth Orbit and on specified planetary or asteroid bodies within our solar system. These activities could also include the design, construction and operation of space elevators and associated space stations that are operated on a fee basis in support of GSC approved space exploration programs.

Summary:  Yes, we can hear the clatter of both objections and questions. We understand and also acknowledge that the above is just an overview and does not go into the full and necessary detail of such an operation. That will come as part of the actual formation of the GSC.

We encourage each of you that visits this blog and especially this entry to post comments, questions, and suggestions. We ask that if you oppose the concept of a global space organization that you offer clear reasons why it should not be. We ask this because we think that a competition between nations of Earth for the exploration and "conquest" of space should not be the way we Earthlings go about getting acquainted with our solar system. Additionally, as we are already learning, no single nation or even a group of nations will have the financial resources to fund the level of space exploration that we should consider and strive for. Unity of purpose, resources and research and design ideas are essential if we are truly going to "go where no human has gone before."

Lastly, it is time that humankind comes together as we look to the next step in our evolution. The GSC concept and our joint exploration of space enables that grand accomplishment. On that day, when astronauts visit Mars or another planetary body, they do so "for all humankind" and in the process plant a flag that is an international symbol of the unity and peaceful purpose of this great and lovely planet. To life across the universe, our message: We are now one, and here we come - in peace!

CREDITS: The image of the ISS is courtesy of NASA.

MAKING SERIOUS READY

There have been and are all sorts of preparations, past and present, related to a second visit to our Moon. What is not clear is whether this next visit will be just that or will be the first step in the founding of a permanent Moon Base. The Constellation program, though teetering on the verge of cancellation is still being worked on and the Lunar Reconnaissance Observer (LRO) is still doing an effective job of mapping the Moon. It is finding candidate landing sites in the polar regions near the detected frozen water sources.

The Obama Plan essentially cancels the original planned Moon mission envisioned under the Constellation program. At this writing, Congress is still debating whether to accept that cancellation or to support an alternative project that uses most of Constellation's R&D efforts.  Since we advocate establishing a permanent Moon Base we are going with the concept of a modified Constellation plan.

In order to put this into action there are many preliminaries that need to be established in advance of actually landing on the Moon and starting to construct the base station. In this regard we will be presenting comments and information that pertains to each of the steps in the process. We will do this separately with individual blogs entries with an overall summary at the end of each entry. Here is the initial list of these entries:

(1) A Global Space Congress
(2) Technology Considerations for a Permanent Station
(3) Initial Goals and Planned Achievement
(4) Problems and Constraints
(5) Initiating the Plan
(6) Operations
(7) The Future: A Way To Mars.

Mars advocates, please do not despair.  We are Mars advocates too, we just feel that the best and surest way to get to Mars is from our Moon.  We also believe that what we learn in establishing a Moon Base will be invaluable for our plans for exploring Mars, and other planetary bodies in our solar system.

Notes: (1) It should be noted that the above list may be modified with either deletions and additions as we move along in this discourse.  We hope you will understand this and continue to follow us. (2) It is not possible to "terraform" our Moon, so the Moon Base will be a self-sustaining shelter environment as opposed to a transformation of parts of the Moon into an Earthlike setting.

CREDITS: The image above of LRO is courtesy of NASA art.

REGOLITH - SUPER LUNAR RESOURCE

Regolith or in our case "Moon Dust" is that layer of loose rock that overlays a planet's bedrock. Lunar Regolith refers to that layer that exists on our Moon. This layer constitutes a valuable resource of materials that can be used to support and sustain a permanent Moon Base. The following are two references that will help you understand the components and values of the minerals and materials contained in lunar regolith.

(1) A NASA funded study of lunar regolith that introduces some related terminology that will be common in future discussions.
(2) Termed PAYDIRT, this is a presentation that shows a breakdown of the components of lunar regolith and how it would be used to support a Moon Base. Please notice the amount of regolith that needs to be mined to support the extraction of some elements. When you do this also reflect on the comments included in the preceding blog article MOON AESTHETICS.

The term "strip mining" is used in discussions involving the use of regolith to support lunar operations.  The challenge is to facilitate these mining operations without totally destroying the geological and geographical profile of our Moon.  Can we do this?  Will we do this?  Considering our present oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, it is understandable if we do not have complete trust in the safety and care by mining/drilling operations here or on the Moon.

Can any government entity successfully monitor and control the extraction of minerals from any planetary body or asteroid in such a way that the overall geobiological profile of that body is not compromised?  Should this control be a fully enforced dictum of our proposed global space exploration organization?  Please consider these questions and add you comments. Remember, by converting extensive comments into pdf file format and linking to it allows you to offer full explanations or opinions.

CREDITS: The image displayed above is a segment of a photograph taken by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin while on the Moon.  The photo is courtesy of NASA.

MOON AESTHETICS

One of the concerns of many people about a permanent settlement on the Moon is whether that will destroy the mystical beauty and grandeur it regularly provides to most people. The thought of monster neon signs advertising some soft drink or new prescription drug sends shudders through most folks.  Equally worrisome are thoughts about industrial use of the Moon that begins to destroy its unique face.  All of this is linked to a long history of Moon Lore that has been a part of Earth history since life arose on this planet.  We emphasize life, rather than just humans.  A variety of Earthly creatures are directly affected behaviorally by the Moon and its phases.  Humans, more than other life forms have included the Moon in a variety of rituals, drama, musical compositions, art, and, most importantly, science.

Speaking of Moon music here are three vastly different samples of how our Moon has been honored by musical compositions: (1) Formal  (2) Romantic (3) Wild Killer.  Now we are sure you can find scads more Moon music, and we hope you will while thinking about our blog.

Moon art is all over and in a variety of formats and impact. We encourage you to look around on the Internet and nearby art galleries. To help you get started you might want to visit here

So what should we do? Not go to the Moon?  Humankind will go to the Moon, our idea is that it should be sooner, and a global effort.  Because Moon aesthetics is global we believe that an agreement on care of Moon aesthetics by the permanent Moon Base would be both a reasonable and sustainable requirement.  Please take the time to add your comments below on what you think.  Make suggestions in addition to your opinions, please.

We close this blog entry with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. One of the most brilliant minds in all history. A musical genius who had a deep devotion to not only art, but science.  Play this while looking at a full moon some night. Feel you spirits rise with hope and resolve

CREDITS: Moon image, astrophotograph by Waddell Robey via telescopes at Slooh.com. Used by permission.

MOON BASICS

It is not like we do not know a lot about our Moon. Since 1958 there have been explorations of the Moon by satellite and spacecraft including the 6 successful manned Apollo missions.  The last exploratory event involving the Moon was the LROC and LCROSS spacecraft search for water at the lunar poles.

The majority of our data, however, comes from the Luna and Apollo missions.  This underscores the advantages of shared, international programs of space exploration, and this occurred even when we were in a Cold War status with the then Soviet Union.

The discovery of water at the Moon's southern most pole increases the feasibility of a long-term human mission to the Moon. Regardless, there is more that must be learned before we can consider establishing a Moon Base. Much of that information must come from human spaceflight missions to the Moon where specific data is obtained that defines the areas and conditions that must exist to support a permanent settlement on the Moon. The following are some resources of information about Moon basics. Please click the highlighted links for access.

(1) A collection of information on the LROC/LCROSS project.
(2) A source of current images of the Moon with related data.
(3) A source about Lunar Geology. Note: You must log on to Moon Zoo for access.
(4) Earn an official certificate in Lunar Study and Observation from the Moon Society
(5) The Moon Society's optimistic report on the possibility of settlement on the Moon.
(6) A complete, official summary of the entire Apollo Moon Mission.

The listing above just scratches the surface, and as we continue, we will provide more detail links for your review.

CREDITS: (a) Header image: Artwork courtesy of NASA (b) Lunar lander over Moon: Actual photograph courtesy of NASA

SHARING GREAT IDEAS

One of the prime goals of this blog is to encourage followers to develop and share their own technical/scientific ideas with the rest of us.  If you have such an idea, at any time, and it is far too long and extensive to put in a comment, we suggest the following:

Create your idea using MS Word or a similar word processing language. After you have completed it, save it in a pdf file format. Then if you have access to a server (from your own blog or website) upload the pdf file to the server.  You can then create a link to that file here on this blog that will allow all of us to view it and comment on it.

• If you do not have access to a server, see if a friend or relative does and ask permission to upload to their server. This will work just as well.

The nice thing about this approach is that your pdf file can include images and illustrations that will make your presentation more interesting and understandable.

We look forward to your submissions, and yes we will respect your original ideas and your copyrights.

MOON SOCIETY and MOON ZOO

If you have decided to follow along with us in our Moon Base Apollo blog, then we highly recommend that you get involved in two key activities associated with our Moon and the potential to establish a permanent Moon Base.  As the title of the post indicates, those two key areas of involvement are:

(1) The Moon Society, and you can reach it and join up by clicking here.

(2) The Moon Zoo, allows you to help in the geographic, geological analysis and very detailed mapping of the Moon's surface.  You may participate in this scientific effort by clicking here.

We encourage you to seriously consider linking up with these two activites. We guarantee, you will quickly become a lunar expert and we can use as many of those as possible.

Join now, learn and enjoy.

IN THE BEGINNING

We have selected the title of this blog to honor the series of courageous and important human spaceflights under NASA's Apollo program.  It is our goal to present information, data, and arguments in favor of establishing a permanent base on our Moon. We will use a wide range of resources (all of which will be available to you through links) in support of our goal.  In this regard, we encourage you to become involved and to express your own ideas and questions regarding a permanent moon base.

Our philosophy: We envision a permanent moon base as the first critical element in humankind's exploration of deep space.  Deep space, in this regard, is seen as our entire solar system.  We set this limit for human exploration because we are not yet at a point where humankind can venture beyond the limits of our solar system.  Even this area involves great distances and many hazards.

We use the term humankind, because we envision and actively promote the idea that all future space exploration should be an international effort.  This Earth and our solar system is home for all its citizens.  We must venture forth on behalf of all of us and when we establish research bases or stations they will be on an global basis just like our International Space Station.

This blog is a series of presentations that move toward the founding of a permanent Moon Base.  Expect changes as we go along, because despite the many missions to our Moon, there is still a great deal to learn before setting up a Moon Base operation.  The longer we wait in making these explorations and assessments the longer it will take for us to begin serious and sustained explorations of our solar system.