NASA Orion spacecraft enters lunar orbit: officials

I still don’t see why automated systems and a moon rover wouldn’t be more efficient, since they can stay on the surface longer and withstand the cosmic radiation longer than humans. We have the capability to bring back soil samples without humans having to pick them up.

The moon is an inhospitable place.

@Peter Neil - you've been watching too many Boston Dynamics videos. AI hasn't yet caught up... given time, then, yes, what you say makes sense - but for now.... it's doesn't and anyway, who wouldn't like to go to the Moon or Mars ? Where's your sense of "Adventure" ?

TokyoOldManToday  08:57 am JST

@Peter Neil - you've been watching too many Boston Dynamics videos. AI hasn't yet caught up... given time, then, yes, what you say makes sense - but for now.... it's doesn't and anyway, who wouldn't like to go to the Moon or Mars ? Where's your sense of "Adventure" ?

It's naturally in mankind's nature to explore. However, before we even sent the first people to walk on the Moon, we needed to ensure it would be safe and solid enough for the stunt. Ever since Laika was killed by radiation (which was unknown) in space, we've had to try and experiment, and robots do the preliminary and trsting jobs best.

I still don’t see why automated systems and a moon rover wouldn’t be more efficient, since they can stay on the surface longer and withstand the cosmic radiation longer than humans.

Because the Moon has less gravity than Earth the Moon or a space station orbiting the Moon in one of the two La Grange points will become the lauch point for future exploration of Mars and other planets. Launching from the Moon requires a much smaller rocket that required to launch the same mass of material into space from Earth. Materials necessary for fuel will be mined on the Moons surface for use on Mars bound rockets launched from there. The Moon where be where Man learns to live on an inhospitable planet before sending humans to Mars or beyond. It is the essential first step.

@Desert Tortoise - spot on.