Investing in property on the moon is a great idea, especially for those who dream of a better life. But there are some risks involved and many things to consider before you put money down.
Outer Space Treaty
Despite being the world’s first legal document on space exploration, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty for building property on the moon is not enforced. The United States has not ratified the treaty, and Russia has refused to sign it. However, Congress is revisiting it.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty is the foundation of space law. It prohibits countries from claiming ownership of celestial bodies and from harmfully contaminating them. It also allows for a variety of activities in outer space.
States Parties have the right to investigate the moon on an equal basis. They are entitled to collect samples of the moon and use them for scientific purposes. They also retain jurisdiction over the equipment and facilities they place Build property on moon.
The treaty requires States Parties to inform the international scientific community of their plans. It also requires that they report areas of special scientific interest. These areas may be designated as international scientific preserves.
The provisions of this Agreement apply to orbits around the moon and to other celestial bodies in the solar system. Article 6 requires the disclosure of the lunar resources to the public.
Cost of building a lunar outpost
Whether you are an avid space traveller or a prospective prospector, the cost of building a lunar outpost is likely to be on your mind. A recent study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Space Initiatives estimated that a lunar outpost would cost $35 billion to construct, and $7.35 billion to operate each year.
In addition to the cost of the base itself, a number of other costs are associated with the construction. For example, to power the facility, additional solar cells would be required. The outpost would also need a pressurized habitation module with life support systems.
Another key feature of the outpost would be its ability to maintain a magnetic field. A regenerative fuel cell system could provide the power needed. It would also be necessary to install a nuclear reactor.
The first crew of four astronauts would live in a shack-like habitation module. This would be built from the habitation module of the SS Freedom.
Space Race fears
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in an intense ideological battle. They were also involved in a nuclear arms race. One of the battlefields was space exploration.
President Kennedy promised that by the end of the decade, the United States would be sending a man to the moon. He hoped that the flight would inspire interest in the physical sciences.
The first manned space flight occurred on May 5, 1961, when Alan Shepard became the first American to orbit the Earth. NASA followed that mission with five more Apollo missions. The success of the Apollo missions solidified the U.S.’s position in the global community.
But the Apollo missions were not without their problems. The astronauts did not have enough confidence in their abilities, and little things went wrong all the time.
Before the end of the Apollo era, many citizens were worried that the Soviets would colonize the moon. They also feared that the Soviets would have ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.