Nikolai Sevastyanov, head of Russia's giant Energia Space Corporation, has unveiled plans to build a permanent base on the Moon within a decade.
"We are planning to build a permanent base on the moon by 2015, and by 2020 we can begin the industrial-scale delivery ... of the rare isotope helium 3, which the Moon has in abundace"
We intend to strip mine the Moon and liquify the masses of Helium 3, that abounds around the Sea of Tranquility, and ship it back to Earth.
One ton of liquid helium, will generate as much energy as 14 million tons of oil. And is worth trillions of Dollars
Mr Sevastyanov stated "The Earth will have unlimited energy for at least a thousand years. Our present known reserves of hydrocarbons, used at our present rate will only last between 50 and 100 years"
He told an academic conference that Moscow is keen to institute regular cargo flights of helium 3 back to Earth as soon as possible.
Thought***
Now that is very interesting, because NASA, in its 'Return to the Moon' is gearing up to do exactly the same thing, mine for Helium 3, a gas which allows nuclear fusion to be achieved with relative ease.
Looks like they will both have competition from China, who has recently stated that they to, intend to set up a base upon the Moon.
http://www.charm.net/~jriley/energy/StudentMalapert.html
and
The Independent (a UK Newspaper)
PS Wish Uncle Al was around, he would sort this out.
