Returning Humans to the Moon: NASA and SpaceX Initiatives Update 02/28/17

TL;DR

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to send tourists on a trip around the moon in late 2018, while NASA is considering a manned mission to loop around the moon on their maiden voyage of the Space Launch System and Orion capsule.

Transcript

Seemingly, after a long period of debating the merits of doing so, two ultra-fast track initiatives have developed in recent days that could send humans back to the moon not by 2028 or the usual long term time-frames we're used to that are ever prone to cancellation or delay, but by next year. The first comes from Elon Musk and SpaceX. There's no q... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 SpaceX's plan to send tourists on a lunar trip reflects Elon Musk's bold and visionary approach to space exploration.
• 🥮 The feasibility of the moon mission relies on the successful maiden flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket and the crew version of the Dragon capsule.
• 👨‍🚀 NASA's consideration of a manned mission on the Space Launch System and Orion capsule demonstrates a potential competition in the space exploration industry.
• 👨‍🚀 The cost competitiveness of SpaceX and Blue Origin has opened up new opportunities for manned space exploration.
• 🌱 The moon mission plan aligns with Elon Musk's ultimate goal of colonizing Mars.
• 🖤 Safety concerns arise due to the lack of rescue possibilities in case of emergencies during the moon mission.
• 👨‍🚀 The development of fast-track initiatives indicates a new push into manned space exploration.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Elon Musk's latest space exploration plan?

Elon Musk plans to send tourists on a trip around the moon in late 2018 using SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket and Dragon capsule system.

Q: How does the moon mission compare to a trip to the ISS in terms of safety?

The moon mission would be more dangerous than a trip to the ISS as there would be no possibilities for rescue if something went wrong.

Q: What is NASA considering in response to SpaceX's lunar trip plan?

The incoming White House administration has requested NASA to explore the possibility of a manned mission to loop around the moon on the maiden voyage of the Space Launch System and Orion capsule.

Q: How does SpaceX's cost model impact space exploration?

SpaceX's cost model has significantly reduced the enormous cost barrier of space exploration, making it more accessible and competitive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, aims to send tourists on a lunar trip in late 2018, looping around the moon using the Falcon Heavy rocket and Dragon capsule system.

• The mission would be more dangerous than a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) with no possibility for rescue.

• NASA has been requested by the incoming White House administration to investigate the possibility of a manned mission to loop around the moon on their maiden voyage of the Space Launch System and Orion capsule.