Russia eying to establish colony on Moon
Submitted by Sam Ross on October 21, 2011 - 8:15pm
According to the scientist very long time before Moon suffered heavy volcanic eruptions which created a huge underground network of lava tubes. The lava tubes may be accessible by a meter-deep hole which is recently discovered by Kaguya, a Japanese spacecraft.
Russian space official Sergei Krikalyov, said that the lava tunnels are the ideal place for human residence as they will provide protection from radiation and meteor showers. Sergei Krikalyov said that Moon is an interesting destination.
Russian space official Sergei Krikalyov said, “This new discovery that the moon may be a rather porous body could significantly alter our approach to founding lunar bases. If it turns out that the moon has a number of caves that can provide some protection from radiation and meteor showers, it could be an even more interesting destination than previously thought.”
Sergei Krikalyov added that to building residence on Moon will not require any digging and building walls and ceilings as only “an inflatable module with a hard outer shell” will be enough to shut the caves.
The first lunar colony is expected to build in 2030, according to Boris Kryuchkov, deputy science head at Russia's Star City cosmonaut training center. Before that Russia is working to revamp its lunar program and is preparing a Luna-Glob probe for 2014 launch which will analyze lunar permafrost in its polar regions.
Moon has no atmosphere, with weak gravitational pull, which means water can only exists there under extreme cold. Igor Mitrofanov, a fellow scientist at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Science said that water is very essential to accomplish any colonization activity on Moon.
Igor Mitrofanov said that water is required for day-to-day operations if a manned lunar expedition station is placed on Moon. Water will be required not only to get oxygen but, also to refuel spacecrafts which will require Hydrogen.
Igor Mitrofanov said, “The Moon has no atmosphere and has a weak gravitational field. Water on its surface can be only under the conditions of extreme cold.”
“When question arises about manned expeditions and setting up of lunar stations, water resources should guarantee the station with oxygen and water for day to day use and can be used to produce hydrogen, an excellent fuel for rockets.”
