Lost on the Moon
    An Exercise in Group Problem Solving
     

    Answers:

       
    The best solution to this task has been determined by NASA experts and is as follows:
      • 1.    Two 100-pound tanks of oxygen:  most pressing survival need
      • 2.    Five gallons of water:  replacement for tremendous liquid loss on lighted sight
      • 3.    Stellar map of the moon's constellation:  primary means of navigation
      • 4.    Food concentrate:  efficient means of supplying energy requirements
      • 5.    Solar-powered FM receiver-transmitter:  for communication with mother ship; but FM requires line-of-sight transmission and short ranges
      • 6.    Fifty feet of nylon rope:  useful in scaling cliffs, tying injured together
      • 7.    First-aid kit containing injection needles:  needles for vitamins, medicines, etc.; will fit special aperture in NASA space suits
      • 8.    Parachute silk:  protection from sun's rays
      • 9.    Self-inflating life raft:  CO bottle in military raft may be used for propulsion
      • 10.    Signal flares:  distress signal when mother ship is sighted
      • 11.    Two .45-caliber pistols:  possible means of self propulsion
      • 12.    One case of dehydrated evaporative milk:  Bulkier duplication of food concentrate
      • 13.    Solar-powered portable heating unit:  not needed unless on dark side
      • 14.    Magnetic compass:  magnetic field on moon is not polarized; worthless for navigation
      • 15.    Box of matches:  no oxygen on moon to sustain flame; virtually worthless