Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Do Moon Firsters Understand The Delta V Argument?

Do you understand the benefit of being able to fuel a Mars mission in Earth orbit
Larry J — (archived)

using lunar resources? If the projections of lunar ice at the poles prove accurate (big if), then not having to launch a few hundred thousand pounds of propellants and other expendables (water and O2) would be quite nice, especially at the price of several thousand dollars per pound. This wouldn't be worthwhile if you're only talking about a "flags and footprints" Mars mission but could prove crucial if you're talking about developing a true space infrastructure.

There's also issues regarding technology development and testing that could be effectively accomplished on the moon.

I don't see it as a "moon verses Mars" debate at all. I see the moon as a useful stepping stone to allow for further exploration of the solar system. Besides, the moon has a surface area roughly equal to that of Africa. We've explored only a few square miles of it. There's still a lot to learn there.

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