A_LUNAR_LABORATORY.pdf
A Lunar Laboratory - 1986 - future lunar science, astronomy and science in space
A discussion of the use of a future moon laboratory for lunar science, astronomy and science in space.
Document date: 1986-06-30
Department: Los Alamos National Laboratory, NASA
Author: P.W. Keaton, M.B. Duke
Document type: report
pages: 11
Archivist's Notes: Fair quality document. Unlimited distribution. Marked as "Master".
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report entitled 'a lunar laboratory' which was sent to the committee on space research in toulouse, france on 30th july 1986
it details how they try and think 50 years ahead to enable a successful lunar laboratory to operate. it mentions types of experiments which could be
conducted and how it would be used for astronomical observations. it discusses the problems and benefits of lunar resources, solar flares, oxygen,
magnetic fields, radiation, water, transportation etc.
they mention mars, it's water and how they could remove it, which is strange considering that even now nasa is reluctant to admit there is any there
(and this report is over 20 years old now).
the 'international' use of the laboratory was considered and though they admit it can work in practice as is apparent at cern, the attitude seems a
little reticent to allow others in .
more science objectives, unique experiments and radio telescopes are discussed.
the last page lists references used.
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ABSTRACT:
An international research laboratory can be established on the Moon in the
early years of the 21st Century. It can be built using the transportation
system now envisioned by NASA, which includes a space station for Earth
orbital logistics and orbital transfer vehicles for Earth-Moon transportation.
A scientific laboratory on the Moon would permit extended
surface and subsurface geological exploration; long-duration experiments
defining the lunar environment and its modification by surface activity ; new
classes of observations in astronomy; space plasma and fundamental physics
experiments; and lunar resource development. The discovery of a lunar source
for propellants may reduce the cost of constructing large permanent
facilities in space and enhance other space programs such as Mars
Exploration.
CONCLUSIONS
We have started from the perspective that the next several decades will see a
growing interest and capability in space exploration. As a consequence, we
believe that a lunar base will be established in the not too distant future
for a variety of reasons, including anticipated scientific , political , and
economic benefits. Because of the long lead times for large space projects
and experiments, it is not too early to contemplate what types of scientific
activities should be undertaken at a manned base on the Moon.
Doing so puts us in a better position to influence, as scientists, how a lunar base will evolve.
Research investigations at a lunar laboratory can be placed in three
Categories: Lunar Science, Astronomy. and Science in Space.
We have discussed unique experiments that can be conducted at the Moon in each of these categories. Our discussion has focused on examples, and was
not intended to be an exhaustive list of scientific opportunities at a lunar laboratory.
We hope we have chosen examples that will stimulate the interest of scientists from other nations so that the future of manned
exploration in space will be truly international cooperative effort.
My note:
In regards to all those dreams/visions for a future moon project, why did they stop going to the moon?
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