2024-02-26 03:22:29
The mission of the Odyssus probe to the Moon is very important, says astrophysicist Robert Lamontagne, who believes that humanity has “a lot of things to learn” from the Earth’s natural satellite.
• Read also: The American lunar probe Odysseus probably landed on its side
• Read also: The Odysseus probe lands on the Moon; a first in the private sector
“What is particularly interesting in the environment where the probe landed is the presence of water in the form of ice. The idea is to explore this region, at the south pole of the moon, with the aim of preparing future missions where we will return astronauts to the moon,” he explains.
In the medium term, the objective is to prepare a permanent installation on the lunar surface or in orbit around the natural satellite. The ultimate goal is nevertheless to prepare space missions that would go much further.
“It’s a first step towards the great adventure of the planet Mars,” says Robert Lamontagne.
“What we must learn to do to ultimately arrive on Mars is to learn to live in space independently,” he adds.
Scientists need to find a way to extract water, currently in the form of ice, to drink it and grow food. Subsequently, they must be able to release oxygen to be able to have access to breathable air and use hydrogen as fuel.
The astrophysicist believes that it is also important to “learn how to create an environment in which we will multiply the expertise that will be necessary for a very prolonged journey to Mars, a journey which would most likely last between 1 and 3 years. So, we must learn to live in space as we learn to live on Earth.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.
1708922362
#Odysseus #probe #humanity #lot #learn #Moon #Mars