Fly Me to the Moon

By WILLIAM E. HOWARD III

Published: October 14, 2003

McLEAN, Va. -- The launching of China's first manned spaceflight,
scheduled for this week, has caught the fancy of the world's most
populous country. In the United States, however, interest in the space
program is at a low point. Moreover, after the Columbia accident, the
manned space program seems to lack focus and a sense of mission.

What is needed is a new goal, one that is not only achievable but that
will provide the experience needed if mankind eventually decides to go
farther into space: a permanent human presence on the moon.

What might we do on the moon? We can test applications involving nuclear
propulsion, radiation control and advanced communications. We can gain
experience building habitats in a hostile environment. We can develop
solar-powered devices for use in space. We can investigate the
practicalities of using laser power transmission for electricity and
develop and refine other power technologies for future exploration. We
can develop better long-term life-support systems and medicine
appropriate to sustain life in low gravity.

Of course, these suggestions are for the short term. The space program
has already had many spinoff applications and technology developments
that have improved our way of life. Just as those improvements could not
have been foreseen, there will be many practical spinoffs as we develop
a permanent lunar habitat that will lead to improvements in our quality
of life that cannot now be predicted.

Especially in view of China's achievements, the lunar space station
should be an international program. It would be a powerful vehicle to
bring nations together, decreasing the chances for international
conflict. A reoriented and reinvigorated manned space program would
offer a viable partnership to other space-faring nations that might
welcome this opportunity to participate with the United States in
developing a lunar habitat. For the United States, it would be a chance
to explore practical ways to exist in space for very long periods.

The United States needs a practical goal, and a permanent human presence
on the moon would invigorate a splendid program that appears to need a
better short- and long-term focus. Not only would this project give
America renewed interest in the space program, but it would also extend
our experience in manned spaceflight toward a simple goal that Americans
can easily understand and support.

William E. Howard III works on space and technology issues for the
government and private sector.


Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company