Asking for the Moon

摘要

Thanks to several upcoming robotic missions, lunar science is poised for its biggest boost in a generation. But NASA managers have made it clear that research will be the tail on the exploration dog. Tempe, Arizona—Fashion isn't restricted to Paris runways. A decade ago, space scientists became enamored with the possibility of past life on Mars. More recently, moons such as Europa, Titan, and Enceladus captured the imagination of researchers. Soon, Earth's only satellite will get a chance to strut her stuff again, after being out of style for more than 3 decades. Four countries—Japan, India, China, and the United States—are preparing to launch robotic lunar probes in the next 18 months. China is planning a human mission, and NASA is pushing ahead with plans for a human outpost by the end of the next decade based on a 2004 vision laid down by President George W. Bush.