Settlement Neal Ns2009

New Space 2009 What challenges remain to the physical creation of space colonies, besides launch costs?

Clive R. Neal University of Notre Dame [email protected] Chair, Lunar Exploration Analysis Group http://www/lpi.usra.edu/leag

Why are we going back to the Moon?

• Learn to live and work successfully on another world. • Expand Earth’s economic sphere to encompass the Moon, and pursue lunar activities with direct benefits to life on Earth. • Strengthen existing and create new global partnerships. • Engage, inspire, and educate the Globalpublic. Exploration Strategy, 2007

The Lunar Exploration Roadmap

How are we going back to the Moon? • Apollo sortie-type missions are not sustainable – the return should use a different, far-reaching exploration paradigm. • Return to the Moon should be for the long term with longterm goals.

• Return to the Moon should be viewed as the initial step of an integrated long-term solar system exploration strategy.

How are we going back to the Moon? • NASA needs a transition strategy that allows it to leave the Moon to explore other planetary bodies without abandoning the infrastructure it has built up. • International cooperation important. • Commercial sector involvement is critical: - ISRU capabilities; - Transportation; - Communications.

Going back to the Moon to stay! • Needs political will and financial support with a focus on the long term goals/big picture. • If the plan is an integrated one, it has the potential to stimulate lunar commerce (i.e., create jobs). • The Lunar Exploration Analysis Group sees “Sustainability” being the key as it emphasizes “living off the land” through ISRU.

Going back to the Moon to stay is the first stage in NASA’s journey beyond the Earth-Moon System.