40th anniversary of Moon Landing

[Dark_Helmet]

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is rebroadcasting the full mission in "real time".

Follow along!

Hope you enjoy all the work.

[Quanefel]

It is depressing to know that in 40 years we are not any closer to going back to the moon or establishing a permanent base on the moon so we can explore our solar system better like we should have done years ago. We belong out there.

[Enochroot]

It is depressing to know that in 40 years we are not any closer to going back to the moon or establishing a permanent base on the moon so we can explore our solar system better like we should have done years ago. We belong out there.

It's pretty hard to say we're not further along in both space exploration AND ability to live in space.

[Quanefel]

It's pretty hard to say we're not further along in both space exploration AND ability to live in space.

The individual countries in the space race might be well on their way to putting a base or people in space like China announced last year about making a base on the moon by 2020 but we in the US seem to have no plans or real visions to do likewise. Our space programs seem to have fallen short of the visions we had at one time we had decades ago.

Our space shuttle program is being scrapped, we are building the international space station that to me is limited in a real vision or effort to expand more into space as opposed to a permenant moon base would give us. We are sending unmanned probes to places like Mars which is a nice first step but is going entirely too slow in it's efforts. But more importantly, we as a nation do not have the same excitement we once had decades ago to push outwards into space. We lost that awe we once had for it. We also lost our vision for the future out in space.

[Dark_Helmet]

It is depressing to know that in 40 years we are not any closer to going back to the moon or establishing a permanent base on the moon so we can explore our solar system better like we should have done years ago. We belong out there.

Actually, the plan was to return in 2018 and has already slipped to more like 2020 (especially with the economy). With better evidence of sustained water - as well as being able to extract oxygen from the moon rocks - a base on the moon is more of a reality.

After the new vehicle, Orion, is built, the next goal is to create a lunar lander, Altair, to stay on the moon for a week - more likely to happen in 2025.

of course, private industries might come up with something more innovative (they are already selling a chance to go into orbit for $250K). I am sure the billionaires will come up with the money for a trip to the moon once they solve the oxygen and water issues (which is 80% of the weight).

[Lithic]

The moon landing has yet to happen. It was all an american fraud with the aim of telling the world "see theres nothing there" so that other countries stop bothering to develope their own program

[BLAKROC]

I watched the landing on TV when i was 5........ some moments are forever locked in your memories that is one for me.

[Arlith]

I grew up across the river from Kennedy Space Center. When I was young, we used to go down to the river and watch the Saturn V take off. You ain't seen nothing until you've seen a Saturn V night launch. Those are some of the best memories of my youth.

Of course, the shuttle launches are nothing to sneeze at either.

[Bekki]

Buzz Aldrin had perhaps one the best quotes of all
time from the lunar landing.

"Never have 3 men in history been so far from earth
and so alone and yet watched by so many" ~ Buzz Aldrin

[Borror0]

of course, private industries might come up with something more innovative (they are already selling a chance to go into orbit for $250K). I am sure the billionaires will come up with the money for a trip to the moon once they solve the oxygen and water issues (which is 80% of the weight).

Pretty sure there are laws against that.

[Lithic]

Pretty sure there are laws against that.

laws against fireing a multistage rocket filled with 40 tons of explosives? maybe. Laws against going to the moon? Doubtfull. Even if there are, you are out of the jurisdiction once you reach your goal, so who cares? Setup your launch platform on a floating barge in the middle of international waters and any legal barriers are lifted heh.

[Arkat]

I watched the landing on TV when i was 5........ some moments are forever locked in your memories that is one for me.

I was almost 4 at the time and I still remember my parents waking me up to watch it.

[Arkat]

Pretty sure there are laws against that.

No, no laws per se. That is, it's not "against the law" for a civilian to launch a rocket into orbit or to the moon. You'll have to comply with a bunch of other laws to do it. For example, you'll just have to get FAA clearance because you'll be launching up through jet routes. The FAA will have to make sure there's no air traffic in your area at the time of your launch. You most likely will have to notify NORAD so you can navigate past any space junk/satellites. You'll also have to comply with any regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials before, during, and after launch, etc.

[Dark_Helmet]

Pretty sure there are laws against that.

No laws against it as much as defining restrictions.

Back in 1974, there was an Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and other Celestial Bodies which basically states tahtt he moon is covered under International law as defined by the Charter of the United Nations. Basically, it outlaws using it for military purposes, respect the natual resources of the moon, and not to make it a dumping pile.


While each country has its own laws about launch within their territory, you can run a platform out into the ocean and launch from there (subject to the United Nation's International Laws as above).

As for space, there are over 13,000 space objects being tracked, and there are only voluntary guildelines - not internation treaty mandating the minimization of space debris.


For more information, there are some "legal" organizations dealing with If you are interested in Space Travel, you can always join STELA (the Space Travel Law Association).

[BattleCircle]

Pretty sure there are laws against that.

Actually Private industry is encouraged to explore space. Look at Spaceship 1, pre orbital flight using recycled rubber and NOS as fuel

private industry actually has a better chance of going to the moon on less than NASA ever has.

[GunboatDiplomat]

Well, I'm disappointed too by the lack of a moonbase and the regular trips we were promised. But I'm more annoyed at the lack of flying cars we were promised too. Its like that old joke from the Soviet union:

A guy goes to a car factory showroom and orders a brand new car. The sales guy tells him he'll go straight on the waiting list and it should be delivered in seven years.

'Seven years?' he says, 'Will that be in the morning or the afternoon?'

'Man, its in seven years, what does it matter is if its delivered in the morning or the afternoon?'

'Because I have a plumber coming in the afternoon'