Current Events: Russian Space Cheif: We're Talking About Establishing Permanent Bases' On the Moon

Current Events: Russian Space Chief: We're Talking About Establishing Permanent Bases' On the Moon

      Think about 20-50 years in the future. What do you think will happen? Imagine waking up and looking out your window. What you see would be astonishing for what we would see now but normal for you or your children. What you see is the Earth. You are on the Moon orbiting the Earth and that is your new home. This thought might be considered science fiction to anyone now but it is a topic some countries are talking about. On May 22, 2012 the head of the space programs in Europe, Canada, Russia, India and Japan met. They met in Washington D.C. and were discussing many topics. NASA did not take part in this meeting due to a SpaceX launch in Florida. The topic that was thought of the most as the most shocking was Russia saying that instead of repeating what everyone did (travel to the moon) they wanted to try to create bases' there. As they said this other countries spoke out too. The one that completely stated this was Japan. While the decision of the U.S. is still unknown, we know that the U.S. is working on a manned mission to land on a asteroid. Also a manned mission to land on Mars. Since NASA is not focusing on this as of so far some countries are looking toward China. The reason being that China was absent and are saying that they are working on a manned mission to the Moon and are planning on creating their own orbiting space station. The reason why I believe Russia is starting this is that they do not want to follow the same pathway or road that was followed in the past of just landing on the Moon and going back. I believe this by inferring this from what they have stated.
     My thoughts on being able to live on the Moon is thrilling. This goal of trying to get bases' on the Moon might be able to create jobs in all countries. Causing the economy to get better. Also this goal will most likely unify the countries since they are trying for the same cause. Being able to "live on the moon". Knowing that NASA is not joining the other space programs is disappointing. I thought that NASA would jump to this opportunity of being able to establish homes/bases' on the moon. This idea of having "homes" could lead to countries not being over populated. The scientific community would completely benefit from this idea. It would be easier in the thought of launching rockets, satellites or stations into space because the Moon doesn't have a strong gravitational pull as the Earth does. Also since it is already out of the Earths gravity and atmosphere then it can easily reach further places and be placed easily above Earth for say a weather satellite. Not just the space part of the science community would benefit but Chemists and Geologists as well. The Chemists would be able to mix chemicals and take them apart more precise since the gravity is not as strong. So chemicals would be a more of a percentage of what they wanted it to be. Also there is a less chance of something going wrong because on Earth there is always left over material or gravity can do funny things causing accidents. As for the Geologists they can study the Moons rocks easier and can try to go underground. So in the end, the goal of establishing bases on the Moon would cause so many positive actions to occur and push our scientific community forward.

   Here is where the picture and information came from and if you want to read the full article:

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-05/russian-space-chief-we%E2%80%99re-talking-about-establishing-permanent-bases

Below is a picture of the moon. Since there can't be any actual pictures since this "MIGHT" occur in the "FUTURE".