Approaching the Moon Lunar Orbit Earthrise at 63 Degrees North

What’s so special about the Moon?

Glad you asked.

At some point in the not so distant future, we will be a space faring civilization.

The demarcation point, the point at which we will all know that humans have finally transitioned into a Solar species (not just a terrestrial one), will be when the first large scale permanent space settlement begins operations. Where do you think this first space settlement will be? You are precisely correct: it will be on the Moon.

Our expectation is that by the year 2025 it should be possible for you to purchase a vacation on the Moon. Optimistic as that may sound, there are no technical barriers to making it happen. The only obstacle we need to overcome is to bring down the cost of transporting each kilogram of mass from Earth to orbit from today’s $10,000 to $20,000 dollars (and exorbitant figure), to about $200 per kilogram or less.

Another critical aspect to making our presence on the Moon permanent is economic viability. As the saying goes: If it pays, we will stay!

That means that our large scale presence on the Moon should be driven by and be justifiable as a business enterprise.

Finally, space must be open to all of humanity, not just a few lucky highly trained and highly specialized individuals. All of humanity means you and me. The only way that can happen is if we build a large scale settlement. A small science outpost or production facility on the Moon will not do. It has to be a large facility engaged in a range of activities that will include scientific research and manufacturing operations, but will also include many other commercial ventures, of which Lunar tourism will be a center piece.

One hundred people a week – regular people like you and I – will get a chance to visit the Moon as a vacation destination. All this by 2025!

That means that up to 5,000 people a year, or more will get to visit the Moon. If that sounds like a very large number to you, just think of how many millions more wish they could go and will never get the chance.

The reason we created Lunar Explorer is so that everyone can experience being on the Moon. Those who will not get to go will still be able to visually experience being there. And even for those lucky few who will go, they will not have to wait until 2025. Lunar Explorer will allow all of us to see and explore the Moon in a way that has never been possible before.

At this point you are probably skeptical about some of the things you read above.

It’s okay to be skeptical. The main idea we want to leave you with is that all of this is possible. There are no technical barriers to making it happen. Will it happen? Well, that really depends on all of us. We at Lunar Explorer all fully committed to doing all we can to make it happen. The Virtual Moon simulation is only the first step for us.