Britain plans moon missions

[Arwen]

Britain could be heading for the moon with two missions to probe the lunar surface for hidden secrets, it has emerged.
The first, called MoonLITE, would blast four missile-like "penetrators" packed with instruments into the surface of the moon at 300 metres per second.
If successful, this may be followed by a second mission called MoonRaker aimed at mounting a soft-landing on the moon and carrying out a series of experiments.
With sufficient support and finance, MoonLITE could be launched as early as 2010.
Both missions would resolve a plethora of unanswered questions, including riddles about the early moon and Earth, and even the origins of life. They could also pave the way for more ambitious missions to the planets and manned lunar bases.
A consortium of scientists and engineers from UK universities and industry presented the plans at a two-day space exploration workshop held in Edinburgh.
Their proposals will be put before the European Space Agency's ruling council at its next meeting along with other mission ideas from member states.
If approved, the missions are likely to form a British-led component of a broader European exploration programme. But privately, many of the scientists involved would like to see MoonLITE and MoonRaker as solo British ventures.
They point out that with commercial sponsorship as well as government funding, they may be cheap enough to make that possible.
MoonLITE, which draws largely on existing British expertise and technology, is likely to cost less than £100 million. However, this would not include the high cost of launching the probe into space. Finding a suitable launcher would probably have to involve international co-operation.


This is such a very kewl idea,maybe in 3 years we will all be watching a shuttle launch on tv. How kewl is that

[Setarime]

It is good to explore and try find out more about things, but surely the money would be better being used to improve things on this planet ie the NHS

[Arwen]

Very very true Haggis Doh didnt think of that.Silly me

[stubacca68]

sounds interesting, but i cant see where the backing will come from, but we will have to wait and see!

[TGLucario]

probly with the money which is 4 the NHS & pulic service