A significant transformation is being observed in the space sector in recent years, marked by the development of increasingly powerful, efficient, and accessible vehicles. This technological evolution signals a new era where humanity is preparing to expand its frontiers in the cosmos, initiating a series of content focused on space travel.
To begin this exploration, tips have been presented on how to make trips to the Moon less expensive. Although the Moon is not an unprecedented destination—having been visited six times between 1969 and 1972—the expenses of the Apollo Program were extremely high, totaling about 300 billion dollars, with an average of 50 billion dollars per successful landing. Therefore, the current focus is on finding ways to return to the natural satellite more economically.
A crucial strategy for space economy is vehicle reuse. Historically, rockets were designed for a single mission and, after fulfilling their role, were discarded, making each launch very expensive. In the 80s, space shuttles began to change this paradigm, but it was only in the last decade that rockets capable of returning, landing vertically, and being completely reused emerged.
SpaceX pioneered the consolidation of this technology in its early stages, and with Starship, it will be able to reuse upper stages, which should drastically decrease launch costs. Even with these reductions, sending any material to the Moon still represents a considerable cost, in the thousands of dollars per kilogram.
Another important recommendation is optimizing the cargo carried. Although not literal, the suggestion is to take only a backpack, as carrying capacity remains a central challenge for space travel, even to nearby destinations. To establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, many items are needed, such as habitable modules, power systems, tools, and supplies. The main tactic to make this feasible is the advance shipment of equipment.
Additionally, construction must be done before arrival. Thanks to advances in robotics, complex tasks, such as building lunar habitats, can be performed by robots, avoiding human risks. A longer presence will depend on robotic missions to prepare landing sites, install power systems, and erect the structures that astronauts will use.
It is also essential to use native lunar materials. A promising idea involves using a 3D printer that transforms lunar regolith into raw material for habitat construction, given that bringing bricks from Earth is unfeasible.
Another valuable tip is to utilize local resources. For long stays and cheaper trips, it will be necessary to extract resources from the Moon. There is evidence of ice deposits in craters near the lunar poles, essential for supplying water. This water can be used directly in life support systems or converted into oxygen and hydrogen for breathing and rocket fuel.
When planning the trip, the choice of campsite is decisive. The most desired regions are near the south pole due to the long solar exposure that facilitates energy generation, but there are also permanently shadowed areas where ice can remain preserved. Finding a point that balances access to energy, resources, and good conditions is vital.
Although technologies to lower lunar travel costs are available, much still needs to be tested and validated before trips can occur without fatal risks. However, the dream is close: Artemis Mission 4 should leave new human marks on the lunar surface in two or three years. The goal is not just to return, but to establish a more frequent presence.
If the intention is to expand cosmic frontiers, travel efficiency must increase. Thus, the Moon will cease to be a final destination and will become a springboard for humanity's next great advance: Mars.