Russia has launched its first Moon-landing spacecraft in 47 years, following India’s recent launch of Chandrayaan-3. This move reflects an increasing competition among major powers to explore the Earth’s natural satellite. The moon, located 384,400 km from our planet, plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s climate stability and affects ocean tides.
Despite its harsh conditions, the moon has attracted attention due to its potential resources. Water was discovered on the moon in 2008 by the Indian mission Chandrayaan-1, which detected hydroxyl molecules on the Lunar surface and concentrated at the poles. Water is essential for human life and can also be a valuable source of hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel.
Another resource of interest is Helium-3, a rare isotope that can provide nuclear energy in a fusion reactor without producing dangerous waste. Estimates suggest there could be up to a million tonnes of Helium-3 on the moon, according to NASA. Rare earth metals such as scandium, yttrium, and lanthanides, which are vital in advanced technologies, are also present on the moon.
However, the process of moon mining remains uncertain. Infrastructure would need to be established on the moon, potentially utilizing robots due to the inhospitable lunar conditions. The presence of water on the moon could facilitate long-term human presence.
The legal landscape surrounding moon mining is unclear. The 1966 United Nations Outer Space Treaty stipulates that no nation can claim sovereignty over celestial bodies, and space exploration should benefit all countries. The 1979 Moon Agreement, which prohibits the ownership of any part of the moon, has not been ratified by major space powers.
As the new space race intensifies, clear policy and governance regarding space mining become crucial. The need for international agreements and regulations is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure fair and responsible exploration and utilization of lunar resources.
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