NASA unveils Moon Strategy

Big story from NASA today:

• http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061205/ap_on_sc/nasa_moon
• http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20061204/sc_space/nasaunveilsstrategyforreturntothemoon

NASA has unveiled plans for returning to the Moon! The mission plan is to start in 2020 with a four person crew, and grow from there. The main outpost will be a Lunar base, probably close to the south pole where there are many mining opportunities.

Do we want to incorporate this into the game? What dates are we thinking of for this occuring? 2015? 2020? 2030? 2040?

Mars ideas we can "borrow"

Here's a good Mars site that has some interesting and creative designs and images.

http://www.crazy4mars.com/visit.html

I like the layout of this base, and think we should start reprodcuing the buildings in it to at least get a first layout of our base. Should all buildings only be buildable in a specific location (much easier to program), or should you be able to freely place any building?

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Also, here are some good images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which could be used for Moon Textures as well:

The Moon is geologically active

Apparently, the Moon is still alive with "moon burps' of volcanic gas, especially within the area of the Ina Structure (shown in the picture to the right), and explained here and here.

I'm thinking this might be a new exciting premise of the game - build a base near here due to the increased access to precious metals and a volcanic power source. This could add an extra element of danger, but also add some very visually compelling areas of the game.