Countries and companies worldwide are racing to the surface of the moon — for several critical reasons.
So far, China, India and Japan are the only nations to have soft-landed vehicles on the moon in the 21st century. But there are more than 100 lunar missions planned to take place before 2030, according to the European Space Agency.
Here’s why:
- Resources: The moon is home to things like minerals and isotopes that are hard to find on Earth. Some of these materials could be vital to nuclear fusion, a possibly game-changing clean energy source.
- Exploration: Scientists have also theorized that water in ice form could be available on the moon — something that could be turned into rocket fuel to allow for more exploration. Several countries have plans to establish permanent bases on the moon that could serve as jumping-off points for other space destinations.
- Politics: Space travel has a historic connection to the Cold War. Going to the moon shows other countries that you have technological superiority. The United States' biggest competitor today is China, which has spent billions on space endeavors.
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