NASA is looking at ways to advance deep space exploration sooner rather than later. One study is looking at the advantages and disadvantages of establishing an outpost at the Earth-Moon L-2 point. That's a point in space beyond the Moon at which the gravity of Earth, Moon, and Sun cancel out, so an object placed there will tend to stay there. Since the point is beyond the Moon it would be the farthest into space humans have yet ventured. It would also allow astronauts there to tele-operate rovers on the far side of the Moon, thus carrying out the first extensive exploration of that lunar hemisphere.
NASA would also use the outpost to test technology and understand the challenges of sending humans into deep space. The space agency will also bring in academics and commercial space experts to develop a rounded rationale for the project.
The study is to be completed March 30, 2012.
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