Tuesday 18 December 2012

New moon missions considered as Apollo 17 marks 40th anniversary

Eugene Cernan during Apollo 17

To many, the Apollo programme retired at the peak of its powers. It was 40 years ago this month that human bootprints last left their mark on the lunar surface, in the valley of Taurus-Littrow.


The anniversary is prompting laments of a time long past, and questions about when humanity will return. However, private companies are stepping to the fore. The Golden Spike Company recently outlined plans for a return to the moon in seven years. Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Virgin Galactic are tackling the concept of Mars landings, although that is far further off.


By: Elizabeth Howell, Edited by: David Cornish


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via Wired.co.uk



http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-12/18/new-moon-missions

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