Is the moon (and its resources) up for grabs? - marketplace-tech Recap

Podcast: marketplace-tech

Published: 2026-02-11

Duration: 7 minutes

Guests: Saadia Pekkanen

Summary

The episode explores the modern race to the moon driven by the potential commercial exploitation of its resources, with the United States and China as key players. It delves into legal frameworks like the Artemis Accords and the importance of establishing guidelines for space resource utilization.

What Happened

NASA's Artemis II mission aims to send humans around the moon for the first time in over fifty years, marking a significant step in establishing a long-term lunar presence and preparing for future human spaceflight to Mars. This mission is part of a broader effort to strategically secure space resources, which are increasingly seen as valuable assets.

China, too, has ambitions to land humans on the moon by 2030, contributing to what some describe as a modern space race. Saadia Pekkanen, a professor of space law and policy, highlights the competitive nature of this endeavor, likening it to a game of 'finders keepers' where the first to claim resources could gain a significant advantage.

The legal landscape surrounding space resource claims is complex. International space law prohibits any nation from claiming territory on the moon, but it allows for the commercial exploitation of space resources. The Artemis Accords, led by the U.S., have been signed by 61 countries to establish non-binding guidelines for these activities.

Despite the Artemis Accords, major space-faring nations like China and Russia have not signed on, presenting challenges in achieving a universal framework for lunar resource management. This situation underscores the need for diplomatic solutions to ensure peaceful coexistence and operation on the moon.

Pekkanen emphasizes the importance of technology deployment, such as establishing bases and research stations, to support lunar activities. She remains optimistic about the potential for diplomatic agreements due to the mutual constraints imposed by the moon's harsh environment.

One critical aspect of sustaining human activities on the moon is securing a stable energy source. Pekkanen suggests that nuclear energy could be key in this regard, as it would support long-term operations and potentially enable further exploration efforts.

The moon's resources, such as helium-3, are highly sought after due to their potential to provide safer nuclear energy. As countries and companies vie for these resources, cooperative strategies and transparent guidelines become increasingly crucial.

Key Insights

• The U.S. is leading a new space race with China, aiming to secure moon resources like a cosmic 'finders keepers?' Artemis II is sending humans around the moon for the first time in 50 years, hoping to stake a claim before China lands by 2030.
• The moon is up for grabs, but no one can own it. International law prevents claiming lunar territory, yet allows for resource exploitation, leading to a Wild West in space where cooperation is as elusive as moon dust.
• While 61 countries have signed the Artemis Accords for lunar guidelines, China and Russia are sitting out, creating a diplomatic puzzle. Without their buy-in, managing moon resources might turn into a celestial standoff.
• Helium-3 on the moon could fuel safer nuclear energy here on Earth. As nations scramble for this cosmic gold, the race isn't just about who gets there first, but who can play nice in the lunar sandbox.