Countries are preparing to return to the Moon, focusing on utilizing lunar resources for a 'Moon economy' estimated to be worth $170 billion over the next 20 years. The Artemis II mission in February 2026 marks the beginning of efforts to establish a permanent lunar base. Key industries include communications, navigation, and mining, with resources like lunar regolith and Helium-3 being crucial for future settlements and energy production. However, challenges such as the Moon's long nights and dust complicate these efforts. The European Space Agency is actively researching lunar mining and developing infrastructure for future missions. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)