Boots on the Moon - Lunacy Run Amuck
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Politics.
Boots on the Moon: A Misguided Venture
Summary:
A critique of President Bush’s plan to return to the Moon, urging focus on pressing Earthly challenges instead.Article:
Why invest a staggering $104 billion in returning to the Moon when Earth faces critical challenges? This question looms large as President Bush revives the Moon mission, reminiscent of the 1960s Apollo project. Dubbed "Apollo on steroids," this initiative rehashes past space vehicle designs with minimal innovation. For a more economical trip down memory lane, consider reading Apollo 11: The NASA Mission Reports by Robert Godwin, which captures the essence of our Cold War victory and its few tangible benefits.
Historically, NASA's budget projections rarely pan out?"just look at the Space Shuttle program. The proposed Moon mission threatens to siphon funds from NASA's recent triumphs, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars Rovers, and Explorer missions. These projects have yielded invaluable scientific insights at a fraction of the cost, using safe, unmanned technology. Diverting resources to a costly and perilous Moon mission, with limited returns, lacks rational justification amid today's pressing global issues.
Isn't it time for an inspirational, practical vision to tackle our generation's challenges? The urgency is clear. The devastating hurricane season, melting polar ice, and environmental upheavals underscore the impacts of our greenhouse gas emissions. We need a "JFK Apollo mission" of our era, focusing on eliminating fossil fuel-based power within the decade. Such an ambitious initiative not only benefits our environment but also enhances national security. As James Kunstler highlights in The Long Emergency, our reliance on fossil fuels is precarious. Renewable energy solutions can address these urgent concerns.
So, what's the way forward? Solar and wind energy are promising, but their intermittent nature limits efficiency. Instead, consider the vast, untapped potential of ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream, flowing near our coasts. This massive, renewable "ocean river" could generate gigawatts of clean energy. Using existing hydro turbine technology, we can convert this resource into sustainable power without greenhouse gases or significant marine life disruption.
However, like past monumental projects?"the continental railroad and the Apollo mission?"this 21st-century endeavor will require substantial federal funding initially. By channeling the $104 billion intended for the Moon mission into marine power generation, we can embrace the challenges of this century. This pivotal choice would establish us as wise stewards, grounded on Earth, making prudent decisions for future generations.
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