Elon Musk, the visionary behind SpaceX, has revealed his most ambitious plan yet: building the first human city on the Moon within the next ten years. This marks a significant shift from his long-standing focus on Mars colonisation. Musk explained that the Moon offers a more accessible option for establishing a permanent human settlement.
Why the Moon Over Mars
While Mars has captured public imagination for years, Musk points out that reaching it is far more complicated. “Rockets can reach the Moon every 10 days, but Mars missions require a rare planetary alignment every 26 months,” he explained. This accessibility makes the Moon a practical starting point for humanity’s expansion into space.
Faster Construction and the Lunar Base Alpha Plan
Musk shared on his social platform X that constructing a city on Mars could take more than 20 years, whereas a lunar city could be established in under a decade. Named Lunar Base Alpha, the project will rely on SpaceX’s Starship rockets. These rockets will initially serve as both transportation and living quarters for the first lunar settlers. Musk hopes to establish a permanent base on the Moon as early as 2028.
Using Lunar Resources for Sustainability
To make the city self-sufficient, Musk plans to convert lunar ice into water and fuel. Additionally, lunar soil, or regolith, will be repurposed for construction. This approach aims to minimise dependency on Earth for essential resources.
Collaboration with NASA and Government Programs
Musk’s lunar city aligns closely with NASA’s Artemis program, which targets returning Americans to the Moon by 2028. SpaceX will serve as a lead contractor for Artemis, ensuring private-public collaboration to realise these historic goals.
Challenges and the Vision Behind It
Despite the hurdles—extreme radiation, no breathable atmosphere, and limited resources—Musk remains confident. He argues that establishing human bases beyond Earth is critical for the long-term survival of civilisation. “This is a first step toward ensuring humanity’s future,” he said.
With Lunar Base Alpha, Elon Musk envisions a bold new chapter in space exploration, bringing the dream of living on another celestial body closer to reality.
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