Matsalot and I are always trying to figure out why space exploration has fallen out of the public's eye. He and I both have no idea why this isn't a bigger public interest. Imagine how far along NASA and our scientific communities would be with let's say the billions of dollars we have already spent on the Iraq War (which just as a reminder we won 3-years ago or so according to GWB).
So pretty excited to read the news last week from NASA that they plan on going back to the moon to build a permanent base. What's interesting is that although they will be using this as a test location for a future base on Mars and other longer deep space missions, NASA allows plans on setting up a mining operation there as well.
Very cool if we are able to succeed on this front. Seems as if many other international players are just as interested in the resource possibilities on the moon. Maybe it's time the USA starts truly working with other global partners on this idea, but whatever action we do take - it will be very interesting to watch develop and I do hope no future President shoots this one down.
We should be pumping more money into research, not pulling it out.
