FIRST MAN IN THE MOON.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1141, 24 July 1930, Page 3

FIRST MAN IN THE MOON.

A FRENCHMAN’S PROPHESY. •. \ • ' . .. Who is going to be the first man in the moon ? M. Robert EsnaultPelterie, the French pioneer in the science of astronautics, or travelling in space, believes that this man has already been born. In about 15 years' time, he prophesies, some voyager—already envisaged by Poe, Jules Verne, and H. G. Wells—will set off to pay a visit to the earth’s satellite. In a lecture to scientists, M. Esnault-Pel-terie explained how comparatively simple the whole thing was (reports the Paris correspondent of the London Daily Chronicle). “This,” declares M. Esnault-Pel-terie, “ brings travtel to the moon within the range of practical things. Before attempting the 240,000 miles stretch to the moon, scientists will, of course, try less ambitious voyages. The first space expresess will probably take people for trips of 150,000 feet to 200,000 feet up intp the void. It will be possible to cover the distance between Paris and New York in 25 minutes, while the ‘round theworld Golden Arrow ’ will do the trip during lunch—in about an hour and a half. It will be rather a costly business at. first.vTo construct a vehicle for a journey to the moon and back would cost about £450,000,” M. Esnault-Pelterie estimates.

The journey would occupy a couple of months, allowing for a week’s stay on the satellite. In the United States (reports'the New York Herald's Paris edition) there has been formed a national association to foster research and experiment in inter-planetary travel. Its ultimate object is to bring about the building of a space car to transport passengers to other worlds. “ The American Loter-Planetary Society” will meet every fortnight to discuss matters connected with travel in space.