A senior advisor from NASA’s Artemis program is spearheading a new initiative to establish a for-profit Lunar Development Cooperative (LDC) for future human exploration on the Moon. This concept aims to reduce costs, protect resources, and foster collaboration among nations while aligning with international agreements like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The LDC would be a public-private partnership offering opportunities for investment and development across the lunar surface. It would prioritize accountability through a board of advisors, an independent inspector general, and transparent reporting mechanisms to ensure fair governance. The cooperative’s charter includes provisions for protecting land ownership rights, making these investments marketable for members.
The LDC could eventually develop two lunar spaceports equipped with advanced infrastructure, enabling easier access to lunar resources and reducing the need for costly local construction. Ownership of the Moon would be decentralized, with nations and private sectors sharing control while safeguarding against exploitation.
This initiative aligns with broader goals of lunar economic growth and long-term sustainability, emphasizing collaboration and mutual accountability to ensure the Moon’s resources are used responsibly.
Source: https://aviationweek.com/space/commercial-space/lunar-development-cooperative-may-set-stage-profitable-exploration