Can America conquer the eighth continent? We put a man on the moon almost 40 years ago. Now it is time to establish a lunar infrastructure that will challenge us to improve the reliability of space transportation as preparations are made for journeys to other worlds.

• Author: Garan, Ron
• Position: Science & Technology

ON MAY 10, 1869, a golden spike joined two railways at Promontory Point, Utah, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed. On Jan. 14, 2004, Pres. George W. Bush announced a new vision for our nation's space exploration program and committed the U.S. to a long-term human initiative to explore the solar system, starting with a return to the moon.

There is no doubt that the railroad changed the world, opening up frontiers to discovery, settlement, and commerce. The railroad was the backbone for the Industrial Revolution that provided the largest increase in life expectancy and improvement in quality of life in history. Just as the Industrial Revolution brought about unprecedented improvements in quality of life, so, too, can the new age of space exploration and development, but this time with a positive impact on the environment. To begin a period of sustainable space exploration, the public and private sectors must seize the opportunity.

Since the Vision for Space Exploration was announced, there has been an ongoing debate about the importance of returning to the moon. The reasons for making this the next step include fulfilling a compelling human need to explore: gaining a foothold to prepare for journeys to other worlds; easing the world's energy problems; protecting the planet from disasters: creating moon-based commercial enterprises that will improve life on Earth; conducting scientific research; inspiring young people toward higher education; and utilizing space resources to help spread prosperity throughout the world.

We should not return to the moon for any one of these reasons, but for all of them and more. By first establishing the basic infrastructure for a transportation system between the Earth and the moon and a sustainable, semiautonomous, permanent human settlement, we will open the door to significant benefits for all. Of course, any permanent lunar base must be economically and politically sustainable and therefore has to provide tangible benefits and a return on investment.

Exploration. Great nations accomplish extraordinary endeavors that help to maintain their leadership in the world. American history is built on a desire to open new frontiers and seek new discoveries. "Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drown into unknown lands and across the open sea," Pres. Bush commented. "We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit."

Gaining a...