A US military report suggests that the Space Force should prepare personnel to live and work on the Moon. The goal is to compete for resources with China, despite a treaty that prohibits military bases on the satellite. The report accuses China of violating that agreement, something Beijing denies, stating that its space activity is peaceful. For citizens, this implies more tension between powers and the possibility of seeing US military personnel off Earth.
Lunar technology: habitats and life support systems in development 🛰️
To sustain a military presence on the Moon, pressurized habitats, water and air recycling systems, and stable energy sources such as solar panels or small nuclear reactors are needed. The report highlights the importance of developing surface vehicles and mining equipment to extract resources like water ice, which would be converted into fuel. The Space Force is also studying suits that protect against radiation and the lack of atmosphere, a considerable technical challenge for long missions.
Renting houses on the Moon: dusty views and noisy neighbors 🌙
If the plan goes ahead, soldiers will have to get used to a gray landscape, with no bars or supermarkets, and with the risk that a Chinese neighbor might claim the best crater to plant their flag. Sure, the lack of gravity will make moving a chaos: furniture will float and thermostat control disputes will be epic. At least, interstellar courier service will take days, so bills will arrive late.