NASA needs a new generation of lunar research and exploration specialists to accomplish its plans to send humans back to the moon, Leonard David reports at Space.com.
“That talent largely was dissipated after the Apollo lunar landing program ended in 1972. As a result, several steps need to be taken to recuperate both the scientific and technical expertise that will be needed to investigate and understand the Moon,” David writes.
NASA recently took a step in this direction when the agency opened the Lunar Science Institute at Ames Research Center on April 11. The institute will lead the space agency’s lunar science programs and coordinate teams of scientists across the country.
David’s article discusses both present and future robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth’s closest celestial neighbors. Lunar exploration is becoming increasingly international; China and Japan currently have orbiters circling the moon.
Credit: NASA
Rob Coppinger has an interesting analysis of NASA’s Ares V program on his Hyperbola blog. He takes a look at how the space agency’s moon rocket, based on space shuttle technology, has evolved since it was first incorporated as part of NASA’s Exploration Systems Architecture Study.
The story focuses on how engine selection and other factors affected the design and payload capacity of the Ares V. It’s a very detailed piece, so I won’t attempt to fully summarize it here. However, if you are interested in the details of why certain engines were chosen and the performance trade-offs that resulted, this would be a good read.
Bad Astronomy is hosting the Carnival of Space, a regular collection of space-related articles. The 44th edition features just about everything you might want to know about the future of human exploration of Mars. Articles include:
Stuart Atkinson writes about the Red Planet’s changing landscape
Ian O’Neill discusses an early-warning system for solar flares to protect Martian colonists
Colony Worlds has a piece on radiation hazards on other planets
Ethan Siegel tells you why Mars colonists may go thirsty
Nancy Atkinson discusses one-way, one-person trip to the Red Planet
Next Big Future has a piece on how future explorers might travel to Mars using carbon nanotubes solar sails
Mars Odyssey reviews how ISS experience could help us build a Martian spaceship
And who will be first to Mars? Might it be an Indian or South Korean? Or a woman?
Check out these stories and more from the Carnival of Space at the Bad Astronomy site.
NASA designers are looking into new concepts for human lunar rovers that are more reminiscent of pickup trucks than the dune buggy type vehicles used by the Apollo astronauts, Florida Today reports.
“It is definitely inspired by the truck,” said Lucien Junkin, a Johnson Space Center robotics engineer who is serving as lead designer.
NASA is leaning toward a 6-wheel vehicle, based in part on the success of the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars. The two additional wheels allow for more maneuverability on rough terrain.
Astronomy.com also has an article with photos.
Will China win the race to explore and colonize the moon? NASA chief Mike Griffin recently warned Congress that it could be if the space agency doesn’t get more money. The Houston Chronicle report is here.