New Space Race: The Race for Water on the Moon

Bryan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:05:33 +0000

I’m sure its come as a shock to everyone as it has to me. The Moon contains actual liquid water. Its unbelievable that it took us 40 years to discover water on the moon, but we’ve finally done it. For those of you that are still unaware of the current Moon Situation I will be happy to enlighten you.

A couple weeks ago NASA shot a rocket into the centaur crater, to analyze a debris plume. The rocket was then followed closely by the satellite LCROSS which would analyze the plume transmit data and ultimately meet the same fate as the rocket. The study was to discover if the debris that was shot up from the moon contained any form of water. After many weeks later the results were astounding, In the debris they found significant amounts of water, gallons to be exact. This completely counteracts the beliefs that the moon was as dry as a bone. This new discovery is a significant opportunity to the space industry, for those in it and those still looking to become a part of it.

Talks of a moon base went from being, purely distant future to a reality in our lifetimes. I expect that we will have a functioning moon base 10-15 years from now. However it may come as a surprise to you that NASA may not be the ones to do it. Private enterprises will be at the forefront of this one, because of NASA budget cuts there is no way the United States can do this solely as a governmental exercise. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own space company now is the time! With the current plans of colonizing the moon there will be many support opportunities to fill in the marketplace, be it from habitat building materials to software equipment there will be opportunities a plenty within the coming years for a budding space company to get its start.

While this poses great opportunities for space companies to get their foot in the door, this discovery is known worldwide, countries such as China (who has been looking to land on the moon by the year 2020) . I believe we are on the brink of a new world order created by the space race of our time: the race for water on the moon. China has been steadily increasing its presence in space. For Example they’ve even issued statements about creating manned weapons platforms in space. They also stand on being the first country to return to the moon, and this was before water was discovered! This new knowledge can only amplify the situation.

In an effort to maintain space superiority in a world of economic stagnation and limited funding, America has gone so far as to offer joint space operations with China. These talks will occur next year and I just hope we don’t give up to much to a country who has historically been a one way door. Sure China has opened some economic opportunities but it still has a long way to go before it can be trusted with such delicate information. Especially when the country has publicly stated its intentions for a manned weapons platform. Its up to global Space corporations to step up and make sure no one country settles the moon or space for its own advancements.

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New Space Race: The Race for Water on the Moon