Image: NASA, ESA, AND J. HESTER AND A. LOLL Arizona State University
More In This Article
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Sidebar
Crunching the Numbers
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Right Stuff
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Infographic
The Outer Limits
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Threatening Asteroids
Related: 5 Goals for Exploring the Solar System [Interactive]
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1 Comments
Add CommentOne very important point maybe missing in the overall picture is the fact that all the above programs are based in an arth centered strategy, from the bottom of a deep gravity well.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSuch strategy has been the bigger responsible of most of aior limitations in space, mainly high costs of accessibility and small payloads.
For such reason if we change our atrategy from an earth based to a space based one, we can radically change the entire picture of space accessibility eliminating the deep gravity well handicap.
Such fact can get started by asmall asteroid deflection mission as proof of concepts, folllowed by a bigger one, say 50mt diameters taht can be deflected in an earth-Moon cycler orbit.
Once there , properly equipped it can supply all needed life support materials for the Moon development, slashing all costs since the materials and base will be there practically free.
With a new approach we can t last make realistic and short term plans and promote privae investment in space