Synopsis
This unique, visionary and innovative book describes how the Moon could be colonised and developed as a platform for science, industrialization and exploration of our Solar System and beyond.
Thirty years ago, the world waited with baited breath to watch history in the making, as man finally stepped onto the moon's surface. In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the idea of a return to the moon. This book describes the reasons why we should now start lunar development and settlement, and how this goal may be accomplished.
The authors, all of whom are hugely experienced space scientists, consider the rationale and steps necessary for establishing permanent bases on the Moon. Their innovative and scientific-based analysis concludes that the Moon has sufficient resources for large-scale human development. Their case for development includes arguments for a solar-powered electric grid and railroad, creation of a utilities infrastructure, habitable facilities, scientific operations and the involvement of private enterprise with the public sector in the macroproject.
By transferring and adapting existing technologies to the lunar environment, the authors argue that it will be possible to use lunar resources and solar power to build a global lunar infrastructure embracing power, communication, transportation, and manufacturing. This will support the migration of increasing numbers of people from Earth, and realization of the Moon's scientific potential. As an inhabited world, the Moon is an ideal site for scientific laboratories dedicated to geosciences, astronomy and life sciences, and most importantly, it would fulfil a role as a proving ground and launch pad for future Solar System exploration.
The ten chapters in this book go beyond the theoretical and conceptual. With vision and foresight, the authors offer practical means for establishing permanent bases on the Moon. The book will make fascinating and stimulating reading for students in astronautics, space science, life sciences, space engineering and technology as well as professional space scientists, engineers and technologists in space projects.
About the Author
David Schrunk received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering at lowa State University and his M.D. at the University of lowa. His experience includes periods at NASA's Manned Spaceflight Center, the US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics and the University of Missouri. He is founder of the Science of Laws Institute.
Burton Sharpe has 36 years' experience in aerospace-related management, systems engineering and flight operations in both government and private industry. He worked at NASA's Johnson Space Center during the Apollo Moon missions, then on the Viking Mars programme, and trained NASA flight controllers.
Bonnie Cooper received her B.S. in Geology and her Ph.D. in Geosciences, both at the University of Texas. She has worked in the petroleum industry at the University of Texas, and at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Recently she was involved in the analysis of images of the Moon acquired by NASA's Clementine spacecraft.
Madhu Thangavelu conducts the Space Exploration Architectures Concept Synthesis Studio in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southern California. He is an Alumnus of the International Space University, and has published original concepts of space system architectures. He is Vice Chairman for Education Programs in the Los Angeles Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
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