The United States plans to spend approximately $80 million to bombard the Moon in search of traces of water on this celestial body. This operation is scheduled to take place in 2009.
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The prospect of humans establishing a base on the Moon. Photo: NASA |
NASA scientists have stated that their bombardment will excavate a crater approximately one-third the size of a football field and send debris flying into the atmosphere.
After the bombardment, a spacecraft will fly freely through the debris, searching for signs of ice or water vapor.
This marks the United States’ first step in an ambitious project aimed at sending astronauts to the Moon, which is expected to take place in 2018. The total estimated cost for the crew is over $600 million, with the Moon bombardment project alone costing around $80 million.
The U.S. plans to launch the spacecraft for the Moon bombardment mission in October 2008. This spacecraft will carry a rocket and “projectiles” that will orbit the Moon for at least a year. Its mission is to map the lunar surface, search for water, and identify potential locations for human exploration.
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Lunar exploration spacecraft |
The probe will focus on exploring the lunar south pole, which NASA considers a viable area for future human habitation.
Subsequently, in January 2009, the “projectiles” will be dropped at a speed of 5,600 miles per hour toward a frozen crater believed by scientists to conceal water.
If ice is discovered, it would indicate the potential presence of water on the Moon. This water could be used as fuel for rockets or as oxygen when humans establish a base on the Moon.
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