In the not-too-distant future, assuming everything proceeds as planned, over a billion video displays might showcase an image of a gleaming steel structure standing on the moon’s surface—the Starship Human Landing System. Following this shot, viewers would see a detailed view of the elevator transporting two suited astronauts from their cabin down to the bottom section of the spacecraft.
The pair of astronauts will talk about the terrain ahead and the status of their spacecraft, with particular attention to the landing gear.
Next comes the significant moment when one of the astronauts will step onto the lunar surface and utter some meaningful words for the vast audience observing. This event marks humanity’s return to the moon from our home planet Earth, marking the start of a new chapter in lunar expeditions. Since the last mission with Apollo 17 back in December 1972, this will symbolize the dawn of renewed lunar exploration efforts.
But, as
A recent article from Ars Technica indicates
It marks the conclusion of an age reminiscent of Apollo-era exploratory missions. This final journey for the high-capacity yet extremely costly Space Launch System will also see the last outing of the Orion capsule in its present configuration, circling the moon as our narrative unfolds.
The Artemis IV mission marks the beginning of what could be described as lunar commercial orbital transportation services. Similar to how trips to and from low Earth orbit have become commercially managed, journeys to and from the Moon will follow suit.
According to Ars Technica
“With the [Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services] approach, NASA offers financial support and oversight to commercial firms as they create their own spaceships, launch vehicles, and services, after which these entities purchase them at a ‘market’ price.”
The Lunar Commercial Orbital Transportation Services would be significantly distant
more complex
rather than the initial commercial team.
According to sources, NASA plans to collaborate with private companies to pursue a comprehensive approach for lunar missions. This involves developing an all-inclusive strategy to send astronauts from Earth into space, onto the moon, and safely back.
SpaceX stands out as a strong candidate for securing a Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services contract. Given the setup we’ve outlined, the Starship Human Landing System would already be demonstrated and tested.
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which is working on the Blue Moon lunar lander and the powerful New Glenn rocket, represents one such company. Undoubtedly, more businesses will also come forward.
The benefit of choosing the commercial path is that it renders lunar exploration, particularly the establishment of a lunar base, sustainable.
Commercial Orbital Transfer Services along with Commercial Crew initiatives have lowered the operational costs of the International Space Station and hold potential to facilitate the development of private space stations intended to succeed the ISS. These developments could also apply to operations on the moon.
Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services could potentially facilitate trips for individual civilians to the Moon, similar to how Commercial Crew services like those in Jared Isaacman’s Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn missions have made it possible for individuals to visit low Earth orbit.
The drawback of the commercial strategy is purely political. Politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont have used significant airtime criticizing tech tycoons such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for investing resources in space travel.
A few years ago,
Sanders declared
I have concerns that NASA has turned into nothing more than an ATM for feeding a space race not between the United States and other nations, but between the two richest individuals in America—Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
The senator continued by condemning the concept of extracting minerals from asteroids due to their immense resource value. He argued that turning space exploration into a business opportunity could lead to individuals such as Musk and Bezos amassing this wealth, which reveals his lack of understanding regarding the principles of free-market capitalism.
If
Artemis III
Set during the final stages of President Donald Trump’s second term, the inaugural commercial manned moon mission is expected to occur in the initial period of his successor’s tenure.
Given that the Democrats might field Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, mentored by Bernie Sanders, as their presidential candidate in 2028, Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services could emerge as a key topic in that campaign. Consequently, Vice President JD Vance, or whichever Republican contender emerges at that time, should prepare accordingly.
When Jared Isaacman takes his oath as NASA administrator, he should kickstart the initiative for Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services. This commercial lunar project is crucial for setting up a moon base.
an immediate priority for NASA
along with its commercial and international collaborators.
The process of commercializing travel to the moon and back could be a lengthy one. Commercial Crew took 10 years between the first proposals in 2011 and the first flight of the Crew Dragon in 2021.
Commercial services for lunar orbital transfers shouldn’t require more than four or five years, provided everything proceeds smoothly.
Consequently, human civilization will spread out into space, reaching as far as the moon’s surface.
Mark R. Whittington, an author with extensive focus on space policy, has released a political analysis of space exploration titled ”
What Makes Returning to the Moon So Challenging?
as mentioned ”
The Moon, Mars, and Further Afield
”and, most recently, “
What Is Driving America’s Return to the Moon?
” He blogs at
Curmudgeons Corner.
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