...a false dichotomy is what I am trying to say. The two are different and need to be recognised as such.
One has few volatiles, no atmosphere, long diurnal cycle, lower gravity etc. But it is close and it is worth studying in depth.
The other has amenable diurnal cycle, better gravity, some atmosphere, relatively abundant volatiles, a couple of handy moons. But it is much further away. With a space-elevator launch and capture there's no reason why transits can't be ~ 100 days. If we used Phobos as the SE anchor transits could be even quicker. Still two-three months minimum. Then a fair wait time and similar return time back.
So what the Moon can do is be a good test-bed for long-duration closed-cycle missions with rapid abort option - nice'n'safe.
But it's just not colony material.
It's mining, science, tourism.
Adam
Space/Science » in reply to In what ways....
Moon vs Mars...
The whole thread (27 posts)
- The hoped Moon
- Are these some of Tom's designs? (n/t)
- the Moon is NOT like Mars...
- Why do space suits need to be built with 2 legs and 2 arms?
- A look back to March 1964 and the Apollo planning