Lunar base objectives and open questions

The basic characteristics of the NASA program for establishing a lunar base are described and examined. The scientific objectives of the program are the planetological investigation of the moon and the use of the moon as a base for astronomical observations. It is argued that the development of a lunar base will assist in the advancement of science, the development of lunar resources to support space activities, and the development of a permanently, self-supported human colony away from the earth. The technological and operational capabilities needed in order to establish a lunar base are discussed.