Astronomers say launch of dozens of lunar probes could jeopardise research and valuable resources such as sea ice in craters

Science and business are heading for an astronomical clash – over the future exploration of the moon and the exploitation of its resources. The celestial skirmish threatens to break out over companies’ plans to launch dozens of probes to survey the lunar landscape over the next few years. An early pioneer – Peregrine mission one – is set for launch this week.

The aim of this extraterrestrial armada – largely funded through Nasa’s $2.6bn Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative – is to survey the moon so that minerals, water and other resources can be extracted to build permanent, habitable bases there. These would later provide a springboard for manned missions to Mars.

Continue reading…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

View from Gaza: ‘I can’t leave. It’s horrific that I have to choose between my life and my home’

Manchester scientist Mohammed Ghalayini was visiting his family in the enclave when…

Nigel Farage gin sparks Cornish controversy

Former Brexit party leader launches red, white and blue versions ‘made in…

Cost of living squeeze ‘is holding back’ UK small businesses

FSB says business confidence is rising but soaring costs and weakening demand…