moon messages

[caolan]

I wonder why the Apollo astronauts never left anything behind on the moon that could be seen from earth? -according to "ivan" the objects they left behind are too small to see.
Why didn't they leave some sort of signal, such as a blinking light that could be seen here on earth?
I think it would be cool to see lights on the moon that could be controlled from earth (turned on or off).
Why didn't any of the astronauts leave personal items on the moon?
If we can send robots to Mars, why don't we send a cheap robot to the moon that can drive around exploring the surface, just for fun. I think it would be cool if we sent a lander to the moon that explored the sites the astronauts visited. We would finally have proof we were on the moon.

[K6-III]

If I remember correctly, the Apollo 11 astronauts left behind a mirror on the moon, that to this day is used for measuring the distance between the Earth and the moon via a laser.

As for why useless packages weren't delivered, that is quite simple: payload requirements and capabilities.

As for a new lunar rover, the chinese intend to do just that around 2008.

[Kirsten]

It is conceivable that the private sector could beat the Chinese to it. Transorbital, Inc. is scheduled to carry out the first commercial mission to the moon in October this year. Their next planned mission is a lander to be followed by a third mission involving a lunar rover. No dates on those other two missions, but it will be interesting to see who gets there first.

http://www.transorbital.net/

[K6-III]

It all depends on the revenues from their first mission. I wish them the best of luck.

As for the Chinese approach, my best guess is that it'll have at least something in common with the Soviet Marsahod...

[K6-III]

As for lunar missions, the Europeans have the Smart1 mission ready to go for July on the Ariane5 and the Japanese should be launching one in 2004 on the H2-A.