Revolutionizing Space Exploration: Why Science Must Lead
Key Highlights The Moon is a unique destination for conducting research, with its surface serving as a natural archive of 4.5 billion years of Solar System evolution. Establishing a human presence on the Moon and Mars requires a science-driven approach to unlock new mission capabilities and achieve exploration goals. The next five years will see dozens of spacecraft heading to the Moon and Mars, making it a critical window for scientific inquiry and discovery. The recent milestones in lunar exploration, such as the commercial lander built by Intuitive Machines and China’s Chang’e-6 mission, demonstrate the rapid progress being made in space exploration. However, as we embark on this new era of space travel, it is essential to prioritize scientific inquiry to ensure that our efforts yield lasting value and drive innovation. The Moon, in particular, offers a unique opportunity for research, with its surface providing a window into the early history of the Solar System. ...