Turning Moon into a fuel depot will take a lot of power
Turning the Moon into a fuel depot for space missions will require a massive amount of power. Extracting and processing lunar ice to produce hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel depends on energy-intensive systems, which must operate in the harsh conditions of the Moon’s surface. Developing reliable power sources, including solar arrays and nuclear reactors, is a critical challenge for sustaining long-term fuel production and supporting deep-space exploration.
NASA and private companies are exploring different methods to generate power on the Moon, such as solar farms placed near the poles, where sunlight is more consistent. Lunar nights, lasting about two weeks, make solar energy unreliable in some regions, leading to interest in nuclear power as a more stable alternative. Systems like fission reactors could provide continuous energy for mining and processing fuel, ensuring spacecraft have the resources needed for extended missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
