Last man to land on the moon has lunar mining dreams – by The Canadian Press (Vancouver Province – November 16, 2012)

http://www.theprovince.com/index.html

LONDON, Ont. — You may have to excuse Harrison (Jack) Schmitt if the former American astronaut gets itchy feet for the moon these days. It was 40 years ago next month, on Dec. 6, 1972, that he and fellow astronaut Eugene Cernan became the last humans to set foot on the lunar surface.

If the former Apollo 17 astronaut had his way, the United States would head back to the moon first, before travelling to planets like Mars.

The 77-year-old geologist, who has his eye on lunar mining opportunities, says the commercial sector could be back on the moon within 15 to 20 years.

Schmitt even sees a role for Canada whose mining industry, he says, is very active and is an important player in the world economy. He also says humankind has the ability to put settlements on the moon within 40 years.

Talking about his own experience, Schmitt recalled moonwalking or skiing on moon dust in December 1972.

He told The Canadian Press in an interview that he used a cross-country skiing technique he learned as a student in Norway and that many Canadians are familiar with.

For the rest of this article, please go to the Vancouver Province webiste: http://www.theprovince.com/technology/space/Former+astronaut+says+NASA+should+focus+lunar+mining/7561138/story.html#axzz2CVeSODGf