Robust Implementation of Lunar Settlements with Commercial and International Enterprise [Moon Base 2015] - Public Policy

PURPOSE: To implement the President’s Vision for Space Exploration, the United States must commit to the early establishment of a Moon base by 2015. This Lunar base will be an ideal testbed for opening new frontiers to human exploration by maximally employing commercial and private products and services. The AIAA/SCTC recommends that specific RDT&E goals be implemented. This will be accomplished by establishment of the scientific and industrial capabilities of a permanent Lunar settlement and development of the commercial revenue sources on the Moon. INTRODUCTION: On January 14, 2004, President Bush reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to human space exploration by completing the International Space Station by 2010, returning to the Moon to stay, and then proceeding to more distant destinations. There exists an extensive database of research and technology development indicating that the logistical feasibility of space exploration will be greatly enhanced through space resource utilization (SRU). This AIAA/SCTC Position Statement emphasizes: human settlement of the Moon; development of Lunar observatories, energy and resources uses; and sustained, active encouragement of private and international enterprise.