A historic turning point is approaching for humanity’s relationship with the moon, marked by a permanent presence on its surface. Private space giants SpaceX and Blue Origin are competing to lay the foundations for an industrial hub that will pave the way for Mars exploration. Three key elements – transportation, refueling, and profitable enterprises – must come together for this vision to become a reality.
SpaceX’s Starship rocket is central to this effort, with its reusable design and increased power allowing it to deliver up to 100 metric tons of payload to the moon in one trip, compared to traditional rockets that can only deliver about 0.1 percent of their takeoff weight. This technological leap will make moon missions more affordable and open up opportunities for heavy equipment delivery.
Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander is also making strides, with a scheduled maiden flight in early 2025. The company aims to establish the infrastructure needed for long-term lunar exploration and industrial activities.
In 2025, NASA plans to launch its Artemis II mission, which will carry a crew around the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions. This mission is a critical step towards humanity’s return to the lunar surface in 2026.
A sustainable lunar economy depends on the ability to transport people and materials from the lunar surface back to Earth. Starpath, a company founded by an expert in the field, is developing a “gas station” on the moon capable of producing rocket fuel from icy regolith. This technology will enable regular, low-cost travel between Earth and the moon – and beyond.
As these technologies take off, the moon will no longer be just a distant, desolate place but rather a gateway to humanity’s future in space.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/moon-humanity-industrial-space-hub