Experts forecast that the Moon will become sort of the seventh continent of Earth by the middle of the 21st century. People will reclaim the polar regions and build residential areas there. In this context it may happen that many countries' interests will clash on the Moon. Part of the scientific community draws a parallel between the Arctic shelf and the Moon, believing that competitive struggle is likely to start in both places. Many countries will be eager to get hold of the polar regions of the Moon that are the best places to live in. The largest amount of ice has been discovered around the poles. Ice is a source of oxygen for astronauts, drinking water and hydrogen that is a rocket fuel. more at..... http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Will_the_Moon_be_carved_up_999.html
Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! To take our Earthly problems and phobias to the Moon, would not be in the best Interest of space exploration as a whole. If we are to explore other stellar systems, it will need to be as a united species.
Supplementary article: Russia could build manned lunar base by Staff Writers Moscow (Voice of Russia) Oct 08, 2013 The federal space agency Roscosmos has launched a feasibility study of a project to build a manned base on the Moon, Academician Lev Zelyony, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute, said on Friday. "Our nearest task within the limits of the planning horizon is the construction of a piloted outpost on the Moon. A working group was recently set up at the order of Roscosmos's head Vladimir Popovkin," Zelyony said at Space Science Day events at the Space Research Institute. more at..... http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Russia_could_build_manned_lunar_base_999.html
Yes, it will eventually be carved up. Currently, there's an International Treaty in place that says the Moon belongs to all countries. But I expect that to be modified at almost any time.
Hmmmm, I hope that doesn't happen. I see the eventual Moon settlements as a next step after the ISS in International Space Exploration co-operation, and a step before a United manned Mars effort. I'm pretty adamant that when we to go to the stars, it will be a United effort.
unfortunately old habits are hard to break but, as long as they don't find oil or gold or anything that can be consumed, we may actually be successful in uniting colonization of the moon.
Yes, I'll agree about the stars. But the Moon, even with the difficulties involved, is MUCH too accessible. I've no doubt it will become carved up.
