It is good to hear that the US is heading back into space, aiming for Man on Mars just in time for me to retire so I can follow the whole thing from my jelly sofa listening in on my wireless brain implant. Whatever it is, however, it is not quite “news” as this was the plan in ’89 and even back soon after Apollos were still dropping on the Moon.
Why now? Maybe because China’s been eyeing the Moon for a few years. The EU has also been poking around the Moon…as has India…and Japan…and, oh, yeah, Russia buddying up with China…and with India. What’s the rush? China wants to do some military mining. Private groups are looking to win the X Prize – even Romanians. Seems like everyone has a space agency, even the Swiss.
So if you are the United States, its about time to get moving or there won’t be much room left.