Korolev (Moscow Region), July 27 (RIA Novosti) - The lunar tourism project suggested by the Russian spacecraft manufacturer Energia could become the first step in the moon's industrial development, the company's chief executive, Nikolai Sevastyanov, told a press conference Wednesday.
"In fact, what we're talking about here is opening up new energy sources. We realize we should go about developing the moon step by step, from circumnavigation to landing to the construction of an energy base. After that we'll go on to create a powerful electricity plant," Sevastyanov said.
The moon's helium 3 gas could be used as a new source of energy for the human race, he said.
"We're all aware helium 3 is a remarkable, environmentally friendly fuel and a highly efficient source of energy. It doesn't occur on the earth, unfortunately, but it is in abundance on the moon," he said.
Sevastyanov said helium 3 can be used in thermal nuclear synthesis and that, according to scientists, this method of obtaining power is the best solution to the Earth's energy problem.
Sevastyanov said he and his colleagues see space tourism not as a goal in itself, but as something that could set the scene and provide means for the future industrial development of outer space, specifically the moon.
Lunar industrial development projects could initially rely on Energia's time-tested Soyuz launch vehicles and then also employ its innovative Klipper shuttle, now in the works, he said.
"We'll be using serial rockets to bring [satellites] into an intermediate orbit, and here we'll be building an interplanetary complex," Sevastyanov said.
Many question the feasibility of manned space flights these days, Sevastyanov remarked. In his view, such missions could help build a lunar base, paving the way for the development of new energy sources, he said, adding that that energy would mean huge benefits for humankind, so all costs, both past and future, would be returned.
