Class
Article
College
College of Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
Faculty Mentor
Briana Bowen
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
In 1962, President Kennedy challenged America to reach the moon within the decade. America succeeded, but did not leave any infrastructure behind for a continued presence there. Since then, various American Presidents have attempted to invoke similar challenges for space exploration, to little avail. Progress has been made in the exploration of space, and the International Space Station has provided countless scientific breakthroughs along with encouraging international cooperation. However, humans have not left low Earth orbit since 1972. With China’s space program steadily accelerating and many other countries rapidly increasing their own space capabilities, this would be an ideal time for America to recommit to leadership in space by returning to the Moon. Arguments have been made that the Moon has been done and Mars should be the next target. However, technology has changed drastically since the Apollo missions, and it will be safer to work on being able to live on the Moon, 3 days from Earth, rather than Mars, at least 3 months from Earth. A human presence on the Moon will require advances in technology that will benefit Americans, just as the advancements of the Apollo program changed the American lifestyle in the 1960s. Last year NASA published the Artemis Accords, an agreement similar to the United Nation’s Outer Space Treaty, which states the UN should be notified of the location and purpose of any lunar station, claims the moon as a neutral celestial body, and compels the public sharing of data related to lunar missions. However, NASA’s primary competitors, Russia and China, have not signed the agreement. Returning to the Moon before another country manages it would help America retain its status as an international leader and give America access to valuable mineral resources more common on the Moon. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Lunar Exploration Key for Advancing American Technology, International Status, Access to Resources
Logan, UT
In 1962, President Kennedy challenged America to reach the moon within the decade. America succeeded, but did not leave any infrastructure behind for a continued presence there. Since then, various American Presidents have attempted to invoke similar challenges for space exploration, to little avail. Progress has been made in the exploration of space, and the International Space Station has provided countless scientific breakthroughs along with encouraging international cooperation. However, humans have not left low Earth orbit since 1972. With China’s space program steadily accelerating and many other countries rapidly increasing their own space capabilities, this would be an ideal time for America to recommit to leadership in space by returning to the Moon. Arguments have been made that the Moon has been done and Mars should be the next target. However, technology has changed drastically since the Apollo missions, and it will be safer to work on being able to live on the Moon, 3 days from Earth, rather than Mars, at least 3 months from Earth. A human presence on the Moon will require advances in technology that will benefit Americans, just as the advancements of the Apollo program changed the American lifestyle in the 1960s. Last year NASA published the Artemis Accords, an agreement similar to the United Nation’s Outer Space Treaty, which states the UN should be notified of the location and purpose of any lunar station, claims the moon as a neutral celestial body, and compels the public sharing of data related to lunar missions. However, NASA’s primary competitors, Russia and China, have not signed the agreement. Returning to the Moon before another country manages it would help America retain its status as an international leader and give America access to valuable mineral resources more common on the Moon. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.