Why the Moon First?
The Moon is only 384,000 km away — a 3-day journey. It offers immediate access to space resources and a platform to test every technology needed for Mars and Titan. Success here is non-negotiable.
Key Milestones
- Year 3 — Permanent crewed outpost established at south pole
- Year 7 — Water ice mining operational: 100+ tons H₂O extracted
- Year 10 — First propellant depot: lunar LOX/LH₂ refueling station
- Year 12 — Closed-loop life support: 95 % water/air recycling
- Year 15 — Deep-space transport vehicle assembled in lunar orbit
Required Technologies
These are the critical technologies that must be developed and proven on the Moon before we can proceed to Mars and Titan.
In-Situ Resource Utilization
Extract water ice from lunar polar craters. Split via electrolysis into H₂ and O₂ for propellant, breathable air, and drinking water. The foundation of all off-world ISRU.
3D-Printed Habitats
Robotic construction using lunar regolith. Layer-by-layer printing of radiation-shielded structures. Proves autonomous construction for Mars and Titan habitats.
Radiation Shielding
Testing regolith-bag and water-wall shielding against solar radiation. Critical data for long-duration stays without a global magnetic field.
Closed-Loop Life Support
95+ % water recycling, CO₂ scrubbing, oxygen regeneration. All systems must run continuously for years without resupply — the only way to survive the 6–9 year trip to Titan.
Surface Mobility
Pressurized rovers with month-long range. Proves long-distance surface travel in vacuum/dust conditions. Direct precursor to Mars and Titan rovers.
Lunar Landing & Launch
High-frequency landing systems capable of precision landing within 50 m. Reusable landers that can operate in vacuum with cryogenic propellant storage.
Timeline Overview
First landing
Permanent base
Ice mining
Closed-loop life
→ Mars ready