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Journalism of Courage
One small step for man, a giant leap for mankind.quot; Neil Armstrong immortalised these words when he spoke them as the first man to step on the moon, changing our understanding of our celestial neighbour forever.
Today, space walks and landings on the moon are routine tasks performed by astronauts who spend months enclosed in their space capsules. The moon seems to have lost its mystery, and poets bemoan that scientific jargon is replacing sonnets which spoke so beautifully of the moon. Still, mankind has been collectively mooning over the moon since the latter half of this century.
Plans for an international space station above the earth are are already being followed and no one questions the importance of future space exploration. The moon is our closest neighbour and a permanent space station on its surface might lead to an exploration of the stars. It will also be a cheaper alternative for satellite launches as the moon8217;s gravity is one sixth that of the earth8217;s and lesser fuel would be required to propel the rocket upwards.
By the middle of the next century, a permanent human presence on the moon will start making its presence felt. Initially comprising of scientists and researchers, the human population will begin to make a mark only when a strong civilian population is encouraged. The future of such a moon community might chart course for the exploration of other planets, stars and satellites alike. Then reaching the stars from the moon might not be such a distant dream after all!
