A Heartfelt Thank You & A Leap to the Lunar South Pole with Luna 25
Luna 25 launched yesterday - today's FULCRUM Research communication explores why major governments are suddenly so focused on the South Pole of the Moon in mid Summer 2023.
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Luna 25 and Rekindled Lunar Dreams
On August 11, 2023, Luna 25 launched – a Russian space probe set to study the Moon’s enigmatic South Pole. This mission marks a renewal of lunar exploration, a trend that’s not unique to Russia.
Why the South Pole of the Moon? The answers lie in both history and our expected near future.
The South Pole region of the Moon is rich in resources, such as water ice, which can be utilized for life support and fuel. But there’s more to this story.
In the context of the Apollo program of the 1960s and 1970s, the race to the Moon was driven by political aspirations and technological prowess. The American flags on the lunar surface were symbols of triumph, innovation, and international leadership.
Fast forward to today, the incentives align once more. With Russia planning a crewed mission before 2030 to compete with America’s crewed Artemis III landing on the South Pole, we see echoes of the past and whispers of a new era.
Economic incentives now play a prominent role. The Moon’s untapped resources, potential scientific discoveries, and the aspiration to establish sustainable human presence fuel this renewed interest. Governments worldwide are recognizing the strategic importance of lunar exploration, both for prestige and potential economic gains.
Some believe a water ice rich South Pole could be an ideal manufacturing location and launch base for heavy payload missions to Mars — the thinking goes that the lower surface gravity will make working with materials and fusing them together easier than on Earth, while the available water ice makes it a functional area for fueling up before long duration missions to the outer solar system.
India, China, Russia, and the US are among the governments closely focused on the Moon again.
But, it's not just about competition. Collaborations are forming, and global efforts are strengthening. Perhaps, we’re on the brink of not just a space race but a space alliance, where humanity collectively reaches for the stars.
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Onward,
FULCRUM Research