USC Hercules Program for Return to the Moon

The Vision In order to reinvigorate the human space program, captivating ideas that enthrall the public imagination are needed, those that restore space as that unique and awesome arena of interdisciplinary human endeavor, portraying new hope and a glorious future for all of humanity. The HERCULES race is such an idea. It involves a series of progressively harder races that culminates in a race on the lunar surface. The competition will excite people in all walks of life and enhance innovation. The public gets involved by either competing in the races directly, or by interacting with the crews. Use of cameras and media is heavily emphasized to better connect the public to “immerse them” in what’s going on. It also provides a big resource to tap, into given advertising and associated revenues. Corporations can become sponsors of these race teams, and new companies, ones that have never before been engaged in space activity, will bring new blood and work on the race. This momentum and infrastructure buildup will not end with the race but rather used as a new beginning for future missions including a viable lunar economy with mining, transportation, and tourism at its core.