Goddard Moonbase

Goddard Moonbase (founded 1983) was the first permanent colony established, both on Luna and off of Earth. Starting as a multi-national effort, the facility was always intended to become self-sufficient, from which additional colonies would branch. Once long-term habitation could be supported (met by oxygen regeneration and on-site food production), the moonbase would be the primary administrative support for other endeavors elsewhere on the planetoid, such as for mining, dark-side astronomical observations, fuel production, and vessel manufacturing. Goddard Moonbase would provide the medical, food, administrative, mechanical, and emergency support for any of these other sites, until they could support themselves.

History

• 1983: An international consortium of space-going nations begins construction of a permanent manned base on Luna. It will be named after Dr. Robert Goddard, the American rocketry pioneer. Funding is provided by the United States (30%), Russia (30%), South Korea (17%), the European Union (15%), China (6%), and India (2%).