The Moon

Following the Apollo lunar expeditions which culminated in the exploration by the Apollo astronauts on parts of the lunar surface, humankind has not revisited the Moon since 1972. In this 21st Century the resources of humankind are now sufficiently advanced to support the global human exploration and development of the Moon. In this new Millennium several nations, including Japan and China, have stated their intention to develop a lunar base during the first half of this century. The major themes of the 1st edition of  THE MOON – Resources, Future Development and Colonization, a Wiley/Praxis title published in hardback at £34.95 in1999, which has to date sold 1200 plus, remain valid today. For example, the Moon WILL be the next principal focus of space exploration and development, and the south polar region is increasingly likely as the first site of permanent lunar activities, as the authors predicted. Major events in space that have taken place since the publication of the 1st edition of the Moonbook.

Lunar origins and physical features.- Science opportunities — engineering challenges.- Lunar resources.- Lunar robotic and communication systems.- The first lunar base.- Return of humans to the Moon.- Circumferential lunar utilities.- The Planet Moon.- Governance of the Moon.- Endless frontiers.- Conclusion.