Back to the moon

NASA has published plans for a return to the moon, over 30 years after Apollo 11's historic journey. But this time, the plan is to stay.

The US space agency plans to build a base at one of the poles with people spending up to six months at a time at the base. Eventually, the moon may be used as a starting point for a mission to Mars, both physically and technically. NASA sees other advantages to be gained from such a base: the possibility of eventual settlement; the pursuit of scientific activities that address fundamental questions about the history of Earth and the solar system; provide a challenging, shared and peaceful activity that unites nations in pursuit of common objectives; expand Earth's economic sphere; and engage the public, inspiring a new generation of high-tech workers.

At a time when there has been much gloom and doom about space travel, following the Challenger and Columbia disasters, simply putting manned spaceflight firmly back on the agenda is a positive thing. While many will be itching for something a little more ambitious - and a trip to Mars would certainly be an enormous challenge - this is, at least, a start. It's a shame that it has taken so long. Let's hope these plans survive our risk-averse, anti-science, planet-not-people times.

The end of the space race?, by Sandy Starr