GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST - Who’ll be the first to build a Moon base?
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Sevodnya_Net       November 14, 2007, 12:56
I hope Russia - and India - do build the first moonbase. And I'm sure they will. I just don't want to see a needless and unseemly international competition develop.
I'm not sure it's going to solve the world's population problem though. That's going to be solved by, er, dialogue with and assistance to ... third world countries.
David       November 14, 2007, 01:57
Why not? After all Russia was the first in space, first to orbit the earth and the first to the moon? The earth is overpopulated and we need to look elsewhere. With USA and Britain pouring all their resources into stupid conflicts and feathering the nests of those third world leaders why Russia and now India concentrate their resources and technical know how in an area far more important.
Good luck Russia!
Sevodnya_Net       November 13, 2007, 12:01
Can you imagine the waste of resources which would be caused by a race to build
the first moonbase?
I can just see it now:
"Welcome to GandhiBase 1, Sea of Putin, the VERY far end of the Lomonosov Ridge, The Moon - the original and best" Cost billions of rupees and roubles
"Welcome to Moonbush 1, Sea of Confusion, The Moon - we were first - honest" Cost: billions of dollars
"Wercome to Chinabase I, the people's Moonbase" - cost - billions of yuan
"Welcome to O'Looney's - first Irish Pub on the moon - cost millions of Euro (in EU grants) but we WERE the first (to be sure)!

Let it be a joint effort, whether Russia and India or Rwanda and Ireland, but let's not have a "race" for heavens sake.
oleg       November 13, 2007, 08:19
Who cares? There are more important issues in THIS WORLD!
Donald       November 13, 2007, 02:18
If there's a determined reason for Russia to do so, Russia will be the first Earth nation to establish a moon presence. Russian determination is documented fact. Close behind will be the Chinese. I feel however, the Chinese will win the race if they determine there are retail magazine customers on Mars. For the Chinese: No customers, no race.
Golosha       November 13, 2007, 02:09
It doesn’t matter which nation has the pre-eminent knowledge or expertise in space exploration, etc. The simple reality is that the U.S. is the richest and can merrily waste as much money as it would like until it gets bored or gets it right.

No other nation can even start to dream to reach the U.S. Only the U.S. has the capital to make this feasible and profitable (to a select few mind you).

Some people will point to rising nations as potential rivals and the “shrinking” U.S. as case in point that the U.S. will not be the first. But history has taught us that the U.S. will throw money at the problem, proclaim “WE ARE THE FIRST TO BUILD BASES AND WE ARE CHAMPIONS!”.

After this, the U.S. will recoil, lick it’s wounds and let the various other nations (Russia, China, etc) maintain these bases, etc.

The same thing will occur with a mission to Mars. The U.S. will make a incredible push, just to be proclaimed the first, and recoil.
Lander       November 12, 2007, 21:24
The great race for the moon, just as the great race for Africa, America or Asia has started in all earnest - Russia did put a proposal to US for joint exploration, but was rejected outright, probably because of the over inflated egos of the Americans!!1

However, whosoever reaches 1st, estabilishes a permanent base on the best location - probably having 12 months sunshine, in the POLAR regions will reap the benefits!!

The benefits are considerable - tourism, mining, manufacturing at low gravity,further missions to Mars and beyond AND maybe even a base having military potential!1

My bet is that there will be two main streams or teams - RF, India and China supported by many countries and an exclusive Western team.

As for the first, lets wait and watch - the race is on - the RESULTS are awaited...
Aardvark       November 12, 2007, 19:23
It would be great if the US, China and Russia were to pool their resources and expertise to do it together. The International Space station was a step in the right direction.

Unfortinatelly, the way things are going now everyone will probably walk it alone.

I'd put my money on China...they are more determined and they will spare no expense to make it happen...
Millsey       November 12, 2007, 19:08
I dont think any 1 country will build a moon base by themselves because it would cost too much money. I also think we should have an international moon base, like we have an international space station. Also as no one country owns the moon it could be seen as an act of agression for one country to go and say they own half the moon and her recources !