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Q&A: Apollo astronaut Schmitt talks about getting back to the moon and life in the universe
Schmitt said helium-3 could support nuclear energy and other uses while a lunar base would help prepare astronauts for Mars and deep-space missions.
- In an interview posted Friday, Apollo astronaut Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt advocated for establishing a lunar base, saying "a lunar base makes a lot of sense" as a strategic geopolitical presence in deep space.
- Schmitt noted that helium-3 offers nuclear energy without waste, and because the isotope is scarce on Earth, the lunar surface serves as a crucial reservoir for energy production, quantum computing, and cancer therapy.
- This lunar push stems from a new space race Schmitt characterized as a modern Cold War primarily involving China, with the lunar surface representing a key strategic asset in international competition.
- Beyond resource extraction, the lunar surface functions as a library of knowledge about the solar system's 4.5 billion-year history, Schmitt highlighted. Regolith analysis reveals how increased solar activity influenced life's development in Earth's oceans.
- Preparing for deep-space exploration requires new generations to gain practical and psychological experience, Schmitt said. He emphasized that a lunar foothold is essential before humanity attempts the long journey to Mars.
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Q&A: Apollo astronaut Schmitt talks about getting back to the moon and life in the universe
Apollo astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt knows what the Artemis II crew was feeling when it rocketed into space earlier this month for a historic lunar flyby.
·United States
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Total News Sources27
Leaning Left14Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 46%
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