One quantum leap for mankind: The dawn of the lunar economy
06-13-2025
4-minute read
Summary
- In the next 20 years, the lunar economy could be valued at $170 billion
- The lunar economy could be driven by new scientific breakthroughs, in-space manufacturing, and by creating a gateway to deep-space missions.
- The European Space Agency’s Moonlight project is aiming to build a satellite communications and navigation network that will lay the groundwork for future Moon missions
- Working with Telespazio, Viasat will play a key role in developing a communication satellite system for Moonlight.
Europe’s first-ever lunar satellite constellation is set to transform Moon missions
Arguably, the most beautiful satellite that orbits the Earth – the Moon – could one day become a bustling hub of human activity: teaming with innovation, discovery, and even adventure. And, in the not-so-distant future, the Moon could become a major economic driver that would require reliable satellite connectivity to make it possible.
From breakthroughs in scientific research, to developing clean energy, the range of opportunities the Moon offers for building a new economy is both exciting and potentially lucrative. In 2021, a PwC report projected the lunar economy to have a cumulative value of about $170 billion over a 20-year period.
Benefits of the lunar economy
3D printing
Using lunar materials, 3D printing could enable the construction of habitats, tools, and other infrastructure to sustain long-term human expeditions to the Moon. This approach could reduce the need to transport materials from Earth, making lunar operations more sustainable and cost-effective. 3D printing could also allow for the rapid prototyping and production of custom components.
Astronomy
Astronomers could benefit from the Moon's stable and predictable environment, which is ideal for long-term astronomical studies. The Moon's far side, shielded from Earth's radio interference, could be an excellent location for radio telescopes, enabling unprecedented observations of the universe.
Healthcare
The Moon's low gravity could offer advantages for new formulations of chemicals to create new medicines and healthcare products that are difficult to produce on Earth. For example, high-purity metals could be produced more efficiently – materials that have applications beyond just medicine, but also even aerospace.
Deep space exploration
The discovery of water ice in the lunar poles has been a game-changer for space exploration. Water ice could not only be a source of hydrations for astronauts; it is a critical component for producing hydrogen and oxygen, the primary ingredients for rocket fuel. The Moon could serve as a refueling station for spacecraft, significantly reducing the cost and complexity of deep space missions.
Sustainable habitation
The Moon's lack of atmosphere and predictable day-night cycle make it an optimal location for continuous and reliable solar power generation. These arrays could power lunar habitats, research stations, and manufacturing facilities.
Clean energy
Unlike Earth, which is shielded by its magnetic field, the moon has been pelted with massive amounts of helium-3 from the solar wind. Scientists believe this isotope could revolutionize nuclear energy by powering safer fusion reactors that don't generate radioactive waste or dangerous byproducts.
Project Moonlight
Although these ideas may seem like distant dreams, we are already creating the backbone of a lunar economy – a lunar-orbiting communication system.
The European Space Agency’s Moonlight project is a groundbreaking initiative that plans to develop a state-of-the-art lunar orbiting navigation and communication system for both European and international missions, whether they are on the Moon's surface or in lunar orbit.
The Moonlight communications system will serve as a high-speed data highway, for spacecraft and lunar vehicles. This network will simplify and accelerate communications, enabling more efficient and effective scientific and exploration projects, including precise positioning over the Moon. As the project evolves, Moonlight is expected to create the building blocks of an emerging economy.
Moonlight is a game-changer for lunar exploration. By providing reliable communications and navigation as a service, we're enabling future missions to dedicate more of their payload capacity to mission-critical instruments. This interoperable infrastructure will significantly enhance mission capabilities while reducing complexity and cost, ultimately accelerating humanity's return to the Moon.
Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications
Viasat aims for the Moon
Although these ideas may seem like distant dreams, we are already creating the backbone of a lunar economy – a lunar-orbiting communication system.
The European Space Agency’s Moonlight project is a groundbreaking initiative that plans to develop a state-of-the-art lunar orbiting navigation and communication system for both European and international missions, whether they are on the Moon's surface or in lunar orbit.
The Moonlight communications system will serve as a high-speed data highway, for spacecraft and lunar vehicles. This network will simplify and accelerate communications, enabling more efficient and effective scientific and exploration projects, including precise positioning over the Moon. As the project evolves, Moonlight is expected to create the building blocks of an emerging economy.
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