Jean Pierre Haigneré nous a raconté qu'à un
accadémicien qui lui expliquait que les robots devenaient de plus en
plus intelligent et qu'on n'avait pas besoin de l'homme dans l'espace, il lui a
répondu : "Vous avez raison, les robots deviennent de plus en plus
intelligents et on va bientôt pouvoir remplacer les accadémiciens
par des robots ! ".
Jean Pierre Haigneré a eut l'occasion de rencontrer Le deuxième
astronaute de l'humanité, monsieur Titof, lors d'un de ces
séjours en Russie. Monsieur Titof était devenu un vieillard
trés alerte et l'oeil pétillant de malice. Il lui raconta la
blague suivante, qui en disait quand même long sur le régime
Stalinien. " Savez vous pourquoi Gagarine il est partit avec une heure de
retard alors que moi je suis parti à l'heure?". "Parcequ'ils ont mis une
heure à l'attrapper pour le ficeler dans sa cabine". Haigneré
commençait à se demander si les doublures ne sont pas des gens
trés aigris de leur rôle, mais Titof continua : " Et savez vous
pourquoi moi je suis partit à l'heure ?". " Parcequ'ils ont mis 24
heures à m'attraper pour me ficeler dans la cabine ! ".
A un auditeur qui commençait à nous faire son cirque sur le fait
d'envoyer des hommes sur Mars, Jean François Clervoy lui a clairement
répondu qu'avant d'aller sur Mars il fallait au moins s'entraîner
à aller sur la Lune.
Go
LEIDEN, March 9, 2006
Lunar Infrastructure for Exploration
EADS SPACE TRANSPORTATION, and ASTRON/LOFAR will sign a Memorandum of
Understanding to develop a European LUNAR Space Program.
The Challenge
The exploration of our Solar System experiences a growing interest within
the European, American and Chinese space community.
At the same time the international Astrophysical Community has achieved
major scientific breakthroughs in recent years. This has fundamentally
changed our vision of the early universe, our solar system and the
development of life on earth.
These two developments can merge since the scientific community has
rediscovered the Moon as an excellent possibility to detect the earliest
period of our universe with extremely sensitive observatories. Apart from
this tempting scientific challenge other scienfic disciplines have showed
interest to do research on the moon (geophysics, astroparticle physics and
exobiology). This results in a long term perspective for lunar observatories
which will also lead to important progress in our scientific and
technological knowledge for other future planetary missions, .e.g. to Mars.
Both EADS-ST and ASTRON/LOFAR have therefore decided to join forces and to
take the initiative to spearhead a European LUNAR Space Program. EADS-ST and
ASTRON/LOFAR are confident that this initiative will cause an avalanche of
scientific, technological and economic developments in Europe and abroad.
Motivation and goal for "LIFE on moon"
The goal of the program is to erect a Lunar Infrastructure for Exploration
(LIFE) which in the end benefits a wide range of scientific and
technological applications. As a first step towards this goal EADS and
ASTRON/LOFAR have identified the errection of a giant long-wavelength radio
telescope with its associated lunar information technology infrastructure.
Given the expertise available in the two countries, this has brought up the
need of a close cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands to develop a
program for a future mission to the moon in the period from now until 2008.
The joint program is motivated by:
* The deepening and broadening of Europe's leading role with respect to
excellence in science and technology;
* The preparation of an autonomous European Space Initiative paving the way
to a future European Lunar Mission;
* The preparation of long term business opportunities;
* The preparation of an outreach program with which European citizens,
scholars and youth can identify themselves in order to underpin the societal
need for excellent scientists and technicians.
Scientific infrastructure: ambition and profit
Early on scientists have realized that much knowledge about the universe is
inaccessible because of the Earth's atmosphere. It is therefore not
surprising that scientist have always strongly advocated the need for
putting instruments in space: i.e. into free space or on the surface of
other planets.
In radio astronomy, a lunar long-wavelength array has been a long-standing
goal. The technology to finally make this happen, has been pioneered by
ASTRON through the "Low-Frequency Array", named LOFAR.
The LOFAR astronomical observatory, which is currently under construction by
the LOFAR consortium in the Netherlands and Germany, gave way to a totally
new concept for a digital radio telescope array with all sky viewing and
transient detection capability. The revolutionary LOFAR-concept is based on
an extensive network of approximately 25.000 dipole antennas arranged in
clusters that are spread out over an area of ultimately 350 km, covering
large parts of the Netherlands and partly Germany. The dipole antennas are
connected to an IBM
Blue Gene computer (STELLA) situated at the State University of Groningen.
Antennas and computer are capable to perform all sky images in real time.
However, the LOFAR-earth bound array will focus on frequencies between
30-240 MHz due to the fact that the atmosphere blocks radio emission below
10-30 MHz and strong man-made radio frequency pollution.
The lack of a Lunar atmosphere and a stable surface make it possible to
study the radio universe on these extremely long wavelength (>10 m). A 10 m
wavelength correspond with ~30 MHz. In addition the far-side of the moon
block any terrestrial man-made radio pollution. This makes the moon a unique
site for long-wavelength observations. A LOFAR-based radio telescope on the
far side of the Moon will therefore open up a completely unexplored window
to the nearby as well as the very distant universe.
Moreoever, the required ICT infrastructure on the Moon readily gives way to
other important topics such as:
* connecting intelligent geophones to the LOFAR-network for studying the
geological history and structure of the Moon;
* Direct detection of extra solar planetary systems;
* Detection of the highest energy particles in the universe;
* Study of space weather.
Lunar arrays of the LOFAR-type require an extremely stable and robust
infrastructure. The infrastructure that ASTRON/LOFAR and EADS-ST have
foreseen encompasses:
* Lunar landing capabilities;
* Robotic distribution of sensors;
* Durable energy supply;
* High-speed data communication - both on the Moon and between the Moon and
Earth ("lunar internet");
* high performance computing in the lunar space environment.
The ambition to use the Moon as a first step in the development of knowledge
and experience to develop an advanced ICT and energy infrastructure for
planetary exploration and top science is considered vital for the future
exploration of our solar system.
The program
>From workshops held in Bremen in March and September 2005, ASTRON and EADS
ST have identified several system, subsystem and technology areas for future
Lunar Infrastructures for Exploration, which appear to be of possible
scientific interest and business interest. EADS-ST and ASTRON/LOFAR have
decided to jointly perform scientific and technological feasibility
assessments and to prepare programmatic data in order to achieve the start
of a European Lunar Space Programme in this decade.
Entry mission: targets
For the first mission three targets are foreseen:
1. The construction of a LOFAR-based astronomical and geophysical array as a
precursor for a later Mars mission and the first step towards an
international lunar science and astronomy condominium;
2. Visible autonomous European contribution to international (manned)
planetary missions;
3. Scientific goals: physical insight in the processes that were responsible
for the early universe, studies of the solar system and the direct discovery
of exo planets.
EADS ST and ASTRON/LOFAR will focus on a robotic mission to the Moon based
on a launch between 2013 and 2015.
Participation
EADS and LOFAR/ASTRON seek to take a leading tole for this future mission.
National German and Dutch contributions will be stimulated because this
mission offers excellent opportunities for both research orientated
organizations and technology driven companies. With respect to this last
group EADS-ST and ASTRON/LOFAR foresee a new group of companies in the field
of ICT-development and sensor development to enter the arena of space
research and technology development.
Referring to the fact that EADS-ST (situated in Bremen, Germany) and
ASTRON/LOFAR (situated in Dwingeloo, Drenthe) will join forces, both
strongly believe that this MOU will contribute strongly to the development
of new science and technology based economic activities in the North of the
Netherlands and Germany.
In this cooperation both parties therefore are confident that it will pave
the way for companies that want to benefit from top science and exciting new
ICT developments. Similarly, this will put science in a position to benefit
from the experience of the companies involved.
ASTRON and LOFAR
The Netherlands Foundation for Research in Astronomy ASTRON designs and builds
instruments for astronomical research. ASTRON's know-how and expertise are very
much illustrated by the radio telescope of Westerbork. After a complete renewal
in 2002, it is now once again one of the most sensitive telescopes on the face
of the earth. ASTRON is also engaged in designing and constructing optical
instruments for the most advanced optical telescopes used on earth and in
space. The world's largest optical telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert, called
the Very Large Telescope, is equipped with several instruments developed by
ASTRON. The future James Webb Space Telescope, the successor of the Hubble
Space Telescope, will be equipped with a highly advanced infrared spectrometer
made by ASTRON. LOFAR is a brand new idea of the ASTRON Laboratory - it's a new
kind of telescope, and even more than that.
Apprendre le hollandais
J'ai l'impression que sur la lune il va falloir apprendre le Hollandais. Ils
ont plusieurs longueurs d'avance sur les français. Voici un texte d'un membre
du Lunex group dirigé par Jim Volp.
We've communicated before about containing recombinant DNA on the moon. This, I
realize, is a long shot, but as one friend told me after pondering the idea for
about a year, if we're going to spend a ton of money to get into space,
containing rDNA is the best idea he's heard because rDNA is a proven and
valuable resource. Also, lab facilities could be used for other endeavors.
I don't say this explicitly on my website, but my interest in space development
comes via molecular biology. I've never wanted to be an astronaut, nor do I
read science fiction. I have a lot of respect and admiration for human
achievement in space, which is why I think humankind can realize this idea of
containing rDNA on the moon. I leave it as an implication on my website as
well, but this containment is nothing like hauling trash or hazardous material
into space, which would be hazardous during launch. We can launch natural DNA
and then recombine it in space. This would be like launching raw materials into
space, doing the chemistry and then leaving hazardous waste in space and
returning the safe products to earth.
Biologists I talk to and those I used to work with think the moon is
impractical. It is too expensive, it would limit what science could be done,
and the risks aren't high enough. The first two arguments I agree with but
believe in the long run can be addressed with improved technology and
international cooperation. The latter argument I disagree with in the sense
that we don't know the risks of rDNA, and the nature of the material makes it
difficult to discern from a natural plague. Taking the stance of low risk, in
my mind, is too risky. No one throws rDNA into the rivers without following a
set of procedures first, but I argue these procedures should be improved upon
by disconnecting rDNA from the biosphere.
Since November 2002, I have contacted numerous scientific agencies from the top
down, nearly 1000 individual scientists and CEOs of companies involved with
space technology, various space employees involved with astrobiology and lunar
planning, various politicians either representing me or involved with related
committees in the US Congress. I have attended the Future of Life Summit and
the first BioAgenda Summit to discuss my ideas personally with folks like
Francis Collins, Paul Berg, other leading scientists and biotech entrepreneurs.
My website is updated: http://LunarTransformations.org.
I cannot afford the conference you mentioned, but feel free to contact me if
you have any questions.
Regards,
Matt
Je pense
En fait le problème Lune ou Mars est à prendre avec précaution. Celà dépend
énormément de votre interlocuteur. Si vous vous adressez à quelqu'un qui est
convaincu de l'utilité du spatial, dites lui que vous voulez travailler à la
colonisation de la Lune celà faira plus sérieux que la colonisation de Mars.
Inversement si vous vous adressez à quelqu'un qui ne voit pas l'intérêt du
spatial, ne lui dîtes surtout pas que vous voulez aller sur la Lune, il aura
l'impression que vous voulez souiller l'astre de ses rêves et de ses nuits.
Dîtes lui que vous voulez aller sur Mars et il ne verra pas d'inconvénient à ce
que vous vouliez casser la gueule au dieu de la guerre. De toute façon pour
aller sur Mars c'est tellement plus facile de partir du satellite naturel de la
Terre. Il suffit de s'extraire de la trés faible gravitation de notre
compagnon. Puis de se laisser tomber vers la Terre, et par effet de fronde
gravitationnelle de se retrouver propulsé vers Mars à peu de frais.
Comment voulez vous qu'un industriel investisse sur une planète qui est
carrément invisible pendant une partie de l'année, alors que la Lune, c'est
simplement la banlieue de la Terre.
Courrier des lecteurs
Tout à fait récemment, le Seigneur, Dieu, visita Noé et lui dit : "Une fois
encore la terre est devenue invivable et surpeuplée et je dois agir. Construis
de nouveau une arche et rassemble un couple de chaque être vivant ainsi que
quelques bons humains Tu as six mois pour cela avant que je n'envoie la pluie
pendant 40 jours et 40 nuits." Six mois plus tard, Dieu regarda en bas et vit
Noé balayant sa cour, mais aucune arche. "Noé" gronda-t-il "Je vais bientôt
envoyer la pluie, où est l'arche ?". "Pardonne moi mon Dieu", implora Noé "mais
les temps ont changé. J'avais besoin d'un permis de construire pour commencer
l'arche. J'ai dû me battre plusieurs mois avec l'inspecteur au sujet du système
d'alarme pour l'incendie. Pendant ce temps, mes voisins se sont réunis en
association parce que je violais les règles du lotissement en construisant une
arche dans ma cour et que j'allais obstruer la vue. On a dû aller devant le
conciliateur pour avoir un accord. Ensuite l'Urbanisme a déposé un mémoire sur
les coûts des travaux nécessaires pour permettre à l'arche d'arriver jusqu'à la
mer. J'ai eu beau leur dire que c'est la mer qui viendrait à l'arche, ils n'ont
pas voulu me croire. Obtenir du bois en quantité suffisante fut un autre
problème. Les associations pour la protection de l'environnement se sont
liguées pour empêcher la coupe des arbres, sous prétexte qu'on allait détruire
l'habitat de plusieurs espèces animales et ainsi les mettre en danger. J'ai
tenté d'expliquer qu'au contraire tout ce bois servirait à sauver ces espèces,
rien n'y a fait. Quand j'ai commencé à rassembler les couples de différentes
espèces animales, la SPA, le WWF et Brigitte Bardot me sont tombés sur le dos
sous prétexte que j'enfermais des animaux sauvages contre leur gré dans des
pièces trop petites pour eux. Qu'en agissant ainsi, je faisais acte de cruauté
envers les animaux. Ensuite, l'agence gouvernementale pour le développement
durable a voulu lancer une étude sur l'impact pour l'environnement de ce fameux
déluge. Dans le même temps je me débattais avec l'administration sur l'emploi
de travailleurs bénévoles dans la construction de l'arche. Je les avais
embauché car les syndicats m'avaient interdit d'employer mes propres fils,
disant que je ne devais faire appel qu'à des travailleurs hautement qualifiés
dans la construction d'arche et si possible syndiqués. Pour arranger les
choses, le fisc a saisi tous mes avoirs, * prétendant que je tentais de fuir le
pays illégalement, suivi en cela par les douanes qui ont ajouté que je voulais
faire passer les frontières à des espèces reconnues comme dangereuses. Aussi
pardonne moi, mon Dieu, mais je ne sais même pas si 10 ans auraient suffit à la
construction de cette arche." Aussitôt les nuages se dissipèrent et un
magnifique arc en ciel apparut. Noé leva la tête et dit : "Tu ne vas pas
détruire le monde?" "Pas la peine", répondit Dieu, "l'administration s'en
charge".
RETOUR
Contact