We're going back to the moon. By we, I mean us as a species. While the Americans (first there and first to turn their back to it) seem willing to wait for a return, the rest of the world isn't waiting. A sustained lunar effort takes desire, ability, and perseverance. The USA had all three, though the desire part soon washed out.

Sparking the race are the ambitious Chinese, having last week opened a lunar exploration center in Beijing. They plan three unmanned missions to the moon starting with a lunar mapping orbiter in 2007, a lander of some sort in 2012, and a third design to bring back soil samples in 2017. These missions would follow Chinese success in sending their first Taikonaut into space in October 2003, and their attempt next year to repeat the feat with Shen Zhou 6.

That other superpower that never quite made it, Russia, has plans to approach the moon as well albeit in a novel way. Private venture Space Adventures recently announced their plan to fly tourists around the moon using Russian hardware at about $200,000 per ticket. No one doubts the ability of their technology to do so; the Russian space service has been exemplary keeping ISS going while the shuttle sputters. The plan calls for a Soyuz to deliver moon tourists into low Earth orbit or perhaps ISS, then a Block DM launched with guidance and docking system to rendezvous with the Soyuz. The Block DM would power the Soyuz into a course around the moon and then home.

From there, who knows? Special equipment or landers previously installed in lunar orbit could take up the mission of establishing contact with the moon's surface. As more trips materialize, the hope of a thriving moon base may realize as well. In time, the combined efforts of Russian, Chinese, and private space travelers could easily re-ignite interest for an American return. Frankly the more ships the better, provided they are all equipped to help each other in case of emergency. This time let's do it for all mankind.

The panic surrounding these declarations, which are nothing new, surprises me. In the end, I don't see this as scary competition; rather, it may very well be the impetus American lunatics need. We should, and I expect we will, welcome and cheer the Russians and Chinese for every accomplishment they achieve. Someday it might be their airlock we need!

Keep your eye on the cheese. Soon it might be busier than we ever dreamed.