Lunar News Network

Dealing With Moondust

That pesky moondust problem is getting some much needed attention (Space - Tackling Moondust for Future Lunar Living ):

Astronauts living on a permanent moon base will need protection against the bleak world's asbestos-like dust, not to mention shielding from radiation and a plan to ward off psychological demons. Those challenges weigh on NASA's plans to send humans back to the moon before the end of the next decade, when four-astronaut crews would have to learn how to live on the lunar surface in a space the size of a small mobile home.

Supporting Space

This (Baltimore Sun - Inspiring defense of reach for space) is an example of a letter to the editor that defends space exploration. I wonder how many of us take the time to send in a quick letter of praise and support when our local newspaper gives space issues the coverage they deserve? Thank you Jeff Brooks of Austin, Texas, for taking the time.

Russia and EU To the Moon?

The race to the Moon is attracting more competitors (Reuters - Russia and Europe may team up for moon flights):

Russia and Europe are teaming up to build a spaceship which will fly astronauts to the moon, Russia said on Wednesday, although the European Space Agency struck a more cautious note. The first test flight is set for 2015 and the first manned flight is planned for 2018, Russian space agency Roskosmos said.

This joint effort between Russia and the European Space Agency is in it's infancy but it certainly looks like a promising partnership.

NASA Review Board Questioned

I think this issue (AP - Inspector General: Conflict of interest on NASA review board) should be of concern:

A board set up to review construction of the spaceship to return astronauts to the moon is loaded with employees of the very contractors they are supposed to scrutinize, breaking federal law, a government watchdog says. [...] The board consists of 19 members charged with providing "independent" assessments of the project designed by NASA but built by private firms. However, nearly one-third of them work for those firms. Four of the six contractor employees were also stockholders in companies making money off the NASA project.

This arrangement has the appearance of impropriety and should be corrected to insure public confidence in NASA procedures.

Presidential Space Politics

Wired Science reports on fears that the next president, no matter who wins, may not fully fund or value the space program (Wired News - Presidential Candidates Too Quiet on Space Policy):

But a question that is of increasing concern among space scientists, engineers and supporters is what will the new president's space policy do? For many space voters there is a deep fear that the industry may face yet another deep re-evaluation of priorities, program "deferrals" or cancellations. In my 12 years in the work force I have seen little but that and there has been a huge cost financially, technically, and culturally that we are still bearing.

This report (in contrast to the previously mentioned report), contains one small quote from an actual candidate. Hey, we take what we can get.