Liftoff!
Moon Base Alpha
"To the moon, Alice! To the moon!"

-Ralph Cramden (played by Jackie Gleason), The Honeymooners

It has been over 30 years since Apollo astronauts visited the Moon. Future generations of space explorers will have to relearn how to work and live on other planetary surfaces for months and years at a time. Since the Moon is only 3 days away by spacecraft, it has much to offer as a first step in the exploration of other worlds, such as Mars. The Moon can be used as a test bed for the new technologies, systems, and equipment needed for Mars exploration because of similarities in the two environments.  In addition, continued exploration of the Moon will help us to answer many questions about the Moon's origins and composition.

Using the Moon as a stepping-stone before we attempt long voyages to other worlds (such as Mars) has certain advantages.  These include the possibility of a life-saving rescue, the possibility of fast resupply of necessary or emergency equipment, the testing of systems in a similar environment (low gravity, alien surroundings, dust, radiation exposure, etc.), and the possibility of a fast return to Earth in case of illness or emergency.  The distance between the Earth and the Moon is very small compared to the distance between the Earth and Mars.

Developing lunar resources increases our motivation to return to the Moon and could significantly enhance the economics and feasibility of future lunar colonization. In the future, lunar bases may become centers for international science and trade. Astronomical facilities on the Moon's atmosphere-free surface will allow scientists to see even farther into the depths of space and perhaps discover Earth-like planets in other star systems. One day, energy resources from the Moon could meet a significant percentage of the Earth's energy requirements.  In this lesson you will get to explore lunar base designs and then design your own.

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