Apollo men decry Obama Moon plans

Reuters

NO GOING BACK: Two former astronauts say they are disappointed with the US government's decision to cancel NASA's moon landing program.

Relevant offers

Americas

Indians sue beer companies sued for alcohol problems Argentina slams British 'militarisation' 27pc of terror suspects rejoin fight - report Derailed train ploughs into homes, cars Thrill killing US teen apologises, gets life Rescued dog bites TV host during broadcast Outrage over underwear-clad boy in snow Santorum claims momentum with upset wins Rick Santorum wins Missouri primary Argentina heads to United Nations over UK action

Two former astronauts say they are disappointed with the US government's decision to cancel NASA's moon landing program.

Eugene Cernan, part of the 1972 Apollo 17 mission, said he's disheartened he's the last man to have walked on the moon and "I thought we'd (have) gone back long before now."

Cernan said the US has a responsibility to maintain leadership in space exploration, and he hopes people will be back on the moon "sooner than later."

Jim Lovell, who led the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, said "catastrophic consequences" impacting the exploration of space could result from the cancellation.

Cernan and Lovell spoke to the BBC on Friday in London.

The decision to cancel NASA's $100 billion Constellation program was announced last month.

- AP