Video Essay
This is our Video Essay related to the following topic:
“Why is the Google Lunar X PRIZE important to the future of the Moon?”
Video Transcript
Why is the Google Lunar X PRIZE important to the future of the Moon?
Google Lunar X Prize encourages private companies to resume the space race. This is important for humankind as it will allow in the near future building a lunar base, where it will be possible to repair satellites, refueling of spacecraft and explore the universe, among others. As the moon has less gravity than Earth, makes it easier and cheaper to take off and land of spacecraft due to the lower weight.
The Constellation project approved in 2005, define as main objective to gain experience in operations outside the terrestrial environment. It consists of three spacecraft: Orion, Altair, and Earth Departure Stage. The Altair module would create a lunar base to provide life support for up to four astronauts on the lunar surface for a week stay.
According to NASA, the importance of bringing back the man to the moon would be to:
- Extend human colonization
- Further pursue scientific activities intrinsic to the Moon
- Test new technologies for future space exploration missions
- Engage the public and students to help develop the high-technology workforce that will be required to address the challenges of tomorrow
The Constellation Program had an estimated cost of 150 billion dollars. In 2010, under the administration of President Barack Obama, it was canceled due to budget restrictions.
Google Lunar X-Prize is a very good initiative to encourage young students to research on topics that stimulate their creativity and motivate them to develop skills that will convert them in the scientists and engineers who will develop the future space projects.