Expansion of Moon bases

Expansion of Moon bases

Building on the success of the Helium-3 extraction programmes, a whole series of bases are appearing on the Moon. Other resources are now being mined including precious metals and minerals - resources which are becoming increasingly rare on Earth.

Perhaps more importantly, this is being combined with on-site processing and production, to build new structures and facilities around the original bases. Solar panels, tools and other equipment, for example, can be manufactured without needing to be delivered from Earth, whilst entire new buildings can be created with the help of robots and self-assembling nanofabricators. Paths can be carved out from the lunar regolith, with functional roads built on them using materials extracted nearby.

Meanwhile, small hydroponic farms - carefully controlled and maintained - are providing a continuous supply of food and water to the astronauts.

All of this is producing the critical mass needed for a thriving, self-sustaining presence on the Moon. A few decades from now, it will be open for civilian settlement.