Introduction

Abstract

In 2019 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the first lunar landing, and as we look to the future of space and a return to the Moon, it must be remembered that the total time that humans have spent on the Moon is about 11 days, and, of that time, astronauts were out on the surface for only 80 hours! We do know how to get there and back, we deployed a lot of lunar experiments on the surface for the scientists, and we brought back 382 kg (842 lb) of samples for them to study; as they have been for the past half century. That’s the extent of our total knowledge base as far as human exploration of the Moon is concerned! We also know a lot from the orbiting satellites and landers. Now, two generations later, the increased desire to return has finally led us to this moment in time; a possible, but uncertain opportunity to return to the Moon; this time to explore and hopefully build a base of operations.