Thinking about Mars, but not forgetting the Moon (Topic)

Humanity hopes to colonize Mars. He considers it possible to create conditions there that are acceptable for his living. However, recent studies have proven that this is not possible using our current technology.

Most likely, we will have to forget about Mars for a while. Then there is a reason to remember the moon. For the first time its surface was investigated by the "Luna 9" apparatus from the USSR. It was back in 1966. In total, more than 60 missions were sent to the Earth's satellite for research. The most famous of them is Apollo 11, which took place in 1969. Then, for the first time in history, a man visited the moon.

Why is Mars better than the Moon?

Thanks to space lunar expeditions, we gained additional knowledge not only about this planet, but also about the Universe in general. Thanks to the analysis of rock samples from the Moon, the theory of the formation of a satellite of our planet as a result of a powerful impact on the Earth more than 4 billion years ago was confirmed.

After that, our parities have changed for some reason. We turned to Mars. In the 90s of the last century, for the first time, research was carried out there, thanks to the lander.

Several facts speak about why work on the Moon is more promising than exploration of Mars. Let's take a look at them.

Transfer station.

To get to Mars, starting from Earth, you need to develop a speed of 13.1 km / s. This is the minimum.

To hit the moon, the spacecraft only needs to accelerate to 2.9 km / s. Our satellite has a weaker gravitational field, so the speed is lower.

In addition, there are mineral resources on the moon. They found metals, elements of rocket fuel. There is also ice that can be decomposed into hydrogen fuel and an oxidizer.

The sulfuric component of the troilite mineral can be used in the production of building materials. This material will be stronger than cement. Therefore, you can build entire settlements, cities.

If we manage to create a lunar base, there will be a reduction in the cost of any space travel.

Additional energy.

The process of nuclear fusion, which gives life to stars, can provide earthlings with energy for many years. However, this requires helium 3, which is scarce on Earth, but abundant on the Moon.

It is possible to build enterprises that will be engaged in the extraction of helium 3 and its delivery to our planet. This requires an initial interest, investment of financial and material resources.

History of the Universe.

The lunar world is full of secrets and mysteries. It is currently inactive. One can observe heaps of rocks, endless deserts and spaces. This is a Klondike for geologists, archaeologists, space explorers.

By studying the moon, we can expand our knowledge of the history of the solar system.

Lunar Observatory.

The atmospheric density is very low here. This is both good and bad. We can also benefit in this moment. Ideal conditions have been created here to host an observatory that could actively observe the Universe. It is enough to build telescopes and place the accompanying equipment.

This is possible due to the lack of blocking of shortwave light from space. On Earth, blocking phases are active and we cannot see much.

Jump into space.

People do not know how a long space journey may affect their health. This is one of the obstacles to the Mars mission.

On the moon, you can fully implement the study of this problem. It is close to the Earth and allows replenishment of stocks regularly and in a short time. In case of force majeure, it is always easy to leave for your home planet.

Almost 60 years have passed since the beginning of human exploration of the Moon. However, we have not made significant progress on this issue during this time.

Perhaps, before jumping into distant space, you should take a few steps nearby.

The Topic of Article: Thinking about Mars, but not forgetting the Moon.
Author: Jake Pinkman