The Case for a Sustained U.S. Presence on the Moon

Human progress and economic opportunity are born out of curiosity, exploration, and ultimately the utilization of new technologies within new markets. The growth of the United States from 13 colonies to ultimately 50 states is one example.

Expansion to the west in the 1800s developed the economic infrastructure, railroads, supply chain, and economic opportunity of the United States to the point where today, one state—California, is the fifth largest gross domestic product in the world—comparable to all of India.

Similarly, being present and developing the necessary infrastructure between the Earth and the Moon to build and grow the economic opportunity for both today and future generations is at the heart of the United States value system. The United States and its allies must lead so that its principles and values drive the benefit for the United States citizens and all global citizens.

In today’s world, the United States’ future as a global leader depends on being seen as a leader in space. Being present at the Moon, building the infrastructure from the Earth to the Moon, and on the Moon, importantly, results in economic opportunity and growth for our citizens. The United States should also recognize that its economic security is protected by its national security.

Therefore, the United States’ continuous engagement in space exploration, space utilization, and U.S. national security in space is essential for the protection and growth of American citizens.

As NASA develops a bold vision for returning to the Moon—with regular landings and progress toward a Moon base—it is important to articulate more precisely why such a return is necessary.

Human understanding of the Moon has dramatically improved based on the Apollo missions, with the human experience and the returned samples that are sources of new knowledge to this day. Available evidence suggests that certain minerals and materials on the Moon could be used on Earth for power generation (e.g., helium-3), as well as for rare earth metals applicable to both terrestrial and lunar technological innovations. There is also a significantly improved understanding of how the Moon can provide an observation post to better understand and predict consequences of space weather and provide a unique listening post for radio astronomy and understanding of the cosmos.

Considering the economic impact of the May 2024 Gannon Solar Storm—including an estimated $500 million loss in agricultural production due to induced GPS inaccuracies affecting farmers across the United States—it is clear that the Moon provides benefits to life on Earth. Similarly, knowledge gained from studying human health in a one-sixth gravity environment, the lunar cosmic radiation environment, and findings from the International Space Station on human health in microgravity—including application to the human ageing process—further underscores the Moon’s value for life on Earth.

Given the clear potential of exploring and utilizing the Moon, it should also be obvious that there is a true global competition to establish lunar infrastructure and the “rules of the road” in the operation and application of this critical infrastructure. United States allies, near peers, and adversaries are proactively working to return humans to the Moon and institute protocols and infrastructure based on their value systems. For the United States to retain its clear leadership throughout the space ecosystem, the United States must now sustain and expand its presence on the Moon. If the United States chooses to shy away from the Moon and its possibilities, it risks ceding the high ground and future economic opportunity.

The history and thus the accomplishment of the United States, which is the envy of the world, is based on its innovation and exploratory ethos. Economic opportunity, scientific understanding that leads directly to innovation and new markets, mitigated impacts on Earth, and a better understanding of human health are specific reasons for returning to the Moon.

Extending the human neighborhood to the Moon and beyond continues the United States’ manifest destiny.

Dan Dumbacher is a professor of engineering practice at Purdue University’s School of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.