Bubble-shaped living quarters. People riding in moon buggies. Astronauts bouncing high in the air with every step. The idea of humans living on the moon has long been the stuff of science fiction. But some experts think those dreams could soon become reality.
NASA, the U.S. space agency, plans to land astronauts on the surface in 2026. The goal is to establish a permanent . The colony would be a base camp and training area for future trips to Mars.
For many Americans, the achievement would fulfill a long-held dream. From 1969 to 1972, NASA landed 12 astronauts on the lunar surface. But the longest stay was just shy of 75 hours, and no human has been there since.
Supporters of a lunar settlement say having people live on the moon could lead to scientific advancements that benefit all humankind. Critics, however, argue that money in the mission would be better spent fixing urgent problems on Earth.
Should the U.S. build a colony on the moon? Two experts who work in the space industry weigh in.