A110. Is it safe on the Moon? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

No, not by what we consider safe here on Earth. We have learned to live with most of the dangers here on Earth, but it has been remarked that exploring the frontier is a fancy name for finding new and creative ways to die. The natural hazards of Earth, like hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes and tsunamis, will be missing—so will insect-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and west Nile virus. Other diseases like measles, flu, tuberculosis, and chicken pox will be kept out by the quarantine process, which will be required for people traveling to the Moon. In this aspect the Moon will be much safer then on Earth. However the Moon will have its own hazards, including solar radiation, micro-meteor storms, and dependence on pressurized suits and habitats. Airlocks and seals can help minimize risk, but there will always be the danger of blowouts. Spacesuits can be designed to withstand some micro-meteorite impacts, but no one can ever predict the size of the next object to strike the Moon. Vehicles can be inspected after every trip but no one can ever ensure that there will never ever be a stuck fuel valve.

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Answer provided by Thomas Matula, Ph.D. & Kenneth J. Murphy

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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