Why is China targeting the moon -- and should NASA as well?

FOX News ^ | December 6, 2013 | By Jeremy A. Kaplan

[cripplecreek]

As much as I think we need to go to mars, a real moon base is the right logical step. If we can do a decade on the moon, we can do mars.

[MasterGunner01]

Why no, NASA is too busy doing Muslim outreach and cannot be bothered with piddly things like moon exploration. We must enhance Muslim’s self esteem, don’t you know. China can do that moon walking thingy.

[Vroomfondel]

Not really. Does China have a national park on the moon?

What good does it do us if we don't have anyone there to collect park entrance fees?

[Paul R.]

Why is China targeting the moon --

Because then they can throw rocks at us.

(Yes, I am paraphrasing Heinlein.)

[Paladin2]

I’m thinking that the Moon could have an abundance of rare Earths.

[Paladin2]

Kool story. Thanx for posting.

[dr_lew]

China launched a man-sized robotic scout to the moon on Monday.

Recall that the Russions never used to say anything about a mission until and unless it succeeded, so give them that. Of course, they knew it could easily be tracked. Whatever.

Well then, will it succeed? It's a hard thing to do. I'll be quite impressed if it does succeed.

[Truth29]

"As much as I think we need to go to mars, a real moon base is the right logical step. If we can do a decade on the moon, we can do mars."

True, but we will do neither under Obama. He will not allow US leadership in space again. He will cheer and even help other nations advance into space, but the US must be brought down in payment for the Left's judgment for past sins.

[Telepathic Intruder]

the Moon could have an abundance of rare Earths

Due to the way the moon was (theoretically) formed, it's composed mostly on Earth mantle material. Mostly silica and alumina, nothing special. If you want rare Earths, the asteroids are the place to go. The moon would, however, make an excellent staging point for missions beyond, since it takes a lot of fuel to get out of Earth orbit. A moon base could manufacture fuel (liquid hyddrogen and oxygen) using water. Water has already been found in large amounts in the permanently shadowed craters near the poles.