With multiple nations and private companies setting their sights on missions to the moon, experts say the area between Earth and the moon could become strategically important.
to precious metals in asteroids, said Marcus Holzinger, an associate professor of aerospace engineering sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.
That interest is apparent: Last year, the Space Force identified cislunar operations as a development priority, and in April established the 19th Space Defense Squadron to oversee cislunar space. In November, thefor interagency research on"responsible, peaceful, and sustainable exploration and utilization of cislunar space."
Holzinger said these agreements are “easy” when there aren’t tangible economic and geopolitical interests at stake. Situational awareness in cislunar space, or the ability to know where objects are at all times, is tricky because of how expansive it is compared to the volume of space around Earth, including low-Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, said Patrick Binning, who oversees programs on space solutions to national security challenges at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
This is because objects in cislunar orbit are influenced by three different gravitational forces: the Earth, the moon and the sun, Johnson said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Happiest Place On Earth: A Child Of Immigrants In Disneyland's ShadowWhen you grow up in Anaheim close enough to Disneyland to watch the fireworks show every night from your backyard but your family can’t afford to go, you can’t help but feel like you’re on the outside looking in.
Read more »
13 Facts About the Controversial Massive Chinese Dam That Slowed the Earth's RotationYou may know that the Three Gorges Dam slowed down the earth, but what else do you know about this massive dam? Learn everything about Three Gorges Dam.
Read more »
Rare earth elements could be pulled from coal wasteThe scheme would provide valuable rare earth metals and help clean up coal mining’s dirty legacy.
Read more »
South Korea's lunar probe captures stunning Earth, moon images | CNNThe country's first lunar probe has returned some striking images of Earth and the moon.
Read more »
‘Earth Mama’ Review: A Rich and Precious Portrait of Black MotherhoodFormer Olympic volleyball player turned director Savanah Leaf helms this tender feature about a pregnant mother trying to regain custody of her kids.
Read more »