Bases, experiments, mining: the race to protect the surface of the moon

Researchers say ‘global consensus’ is needed within the next few years to safeguard scientifically important lunar areas, what with the demands of bases and mining

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft preparing to land on the moon last August. Despite the moon’s vastness, it has only a few prime spots for scientific experimentation and these will have to be protected within the next five years. Picture: ISRO/AP

Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, described the landscape he stepped on to as “magnificent desolation”. The Apollo landing sites were particularly bland, which was, of course, Nasa’s intention. The spots were selected, in part, for the smoothness of the surface and the lack of troublesome hills, cliffs, and craters.

But in the past two decades, lunar research has revealed a richer picture of our natural satellite. Lunar pits that serve as skylights lead down to lava tubes big enough to house moon bases that would be naturally shielded from space radiation by overhanging rock.