The first lunar colony will be built when?Results (total votes = 5):&nbsp0 / 0.0%&nbsp&nbsp2 / 40.0%&nbsp &nbsp1 / 20.0%&nbsp 50+ years&nbsp2 / 40.0%&nbsp Other&nbsp0 / 0.0%&nbsp

Even though we have the technological ability to begin such a project it juts won't be happening in the next few decades. Too few voters value scientific advance and will repeatedly vote down any such mission.

May I humbly disagree? I believe that there are other powers that do not fear the wrath of "voters." And since as we have seen the vote means less here with each plebicite, I think that we too will not be ruled by the people much longer if we are now.China has been promoting a vigorous and ambitious space program that picks up where we left off, they have a goal of a manned moon base in our lifetimes (being near 50 that is not so far for me) and I think that we also have an interest in weaponizing the moon which robotics can only partly accomplish.Having just used a first of it's kind ion propulsion system on a space craft there are changes in technology that I think make the use of the moon more practical. A larger, 2001-esque space station which can only be made with lunar materials due to vastly lower lift costs will be a viable option within 10-20 years time. That does not mean we WILL do it, but that it will be doable. In theory we could do it now, but the cost would be just beyond imagination if done from Earth materials.