Cislunar activity: The business boom beyond Earth

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 4, 2024

Insight summary

Exploring the space between Earth and the Moon has opened new doors for scientific and economic advancement, paving the way for future manned missions and potential lunar resource utilization. The race to expand cislunar activities brings together international collaborators and competitors, highlighting the blend of cooperation and rivalry in space exploration efforts. These ventures could reshape our approach to education, business innovation in aerospace and robotics, and government space policies.

Cislunar activity context

The term "cislunar activity" refers to the range of operations conducted between Earth and the Moon, from spacecraft missions to potential mining operations and the establishment of lunar bases. Notably, Artemis 1, a mission spearheaded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), marks a significant step in returning humans to the lunar surface, laying the groundwork for more complex cislunar activities. Launched in November 2022, the mission tested the capabilities of the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, without crew, around the Moon and back, covering a staggering 1.4 million miles. This mission serves as a precursor to the Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 missions, which aim to bring astronauts back to the Moon, including the first woman and the first person of color, by 2025.

The international aspect of cislunar activity is evident in the collaboration and competition between countries and private entities. The Artemis program showcases this dynamic, with significant contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) in developing the Orion spacecraft's service module. Meanwhile, China's ambitious space program aims to establish a presence on the Moon and potentially surpass the US in spacefaring capabilities by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. This race is not just about exploration but also involves strategic military and economic interests, with implications for global dominance in space technology and resources.

Cislunar activity represents a new frontier in human exploration and the potential for future economic and scientific advancements. The Moon, with its vast resources, offers opportunities for in-situ resource utilization, which could support not only lunar bases but also deeper space exploration. Moreover, the strategic importance of cislunar space in military and communication technologies cannot be understated, with both the US and China recognizing the potential for space to become a critical domain in international competition. 

Disruptive impact

Expanding into cislunar space opens up new educational and career opportunities, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As space agencies and private companies increase their lunar activities, there will be a rising demand for professionals skilled in space operations, environmental science, and engineering. This trend also promises to inspire a new generation, much like the Apollo missions did, fostering interest in space and science from an early age. However, the increased focus on space may divert attention and resources from pressing Earth-based environmental and social issues, leading to a possible imbalance in scientific priorities.

For businesses, cislunar activities present a spectrum of opportunities, from developing new technologies to extracting lunar resources. Companies specializing in aerospace, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) may find themselves at the forefront of designing solutions for living and working in space. This development could lead to the creation of new markets and supply chains. Yet, the cost and complexity of space missions pose significant risks, with the potential for high-profile failures to deter investment and innovation in the sector.

Governments will face the challenge of regulating and facilitating these activities while ensuring they align with international space treaties and environmental protections. The strategic importance of cislunar space for communication, navigation, and defense may prompt nations to develop policies that balance national interests with global cooperation and peacekeeping. This delicate balancing act may lead to tensions or collaborations, influencing international relations. Additionally, governments may need to reconsider their budget allocations, potentially increasing spending on space exploration and related technologies, which could impact funding for other critical areas such as healthcare and education.

Implications of cislunar activity

Wider implications of cislunar activity may include: 

• The government establishing new laws to regulate space traffic management, leading to safer and more sustainable orbital environments.


• Businesses developing space-based internet services, resulting in improved global connectivity and economic growth in underserved areas.


• Schools integrating space science and engineering programs, fostering a new generation of innovators and space industry professionals.


• A shift toward using space-derived data in agriculture, enhancing crop yields and resource efficiency through precision farming techniques.


• Companies investing in asteroid mining technologies, potentially reducing Earth's resource depletion and environmental degradation.


• International coalitions forming to address space debris, leading to cleaner orbits and reduced risks for satellite and crewed missions.


• The expansion of commercial space travel, creating new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange but also raising questions about accessibility and equity.


• Governments implementing incentives for space industry startups, sparking entrepreneurship and technological advancements in the sector.


• Environmental organizations advocating for the protection of extraterrestrial ecosystems, leading to the development of sustainable exploration and mining practices.

Questions to consider

• What potential benefits and challenges could space tourism bring to the global economy and environment?


• How might international collaboration in space missions foster better diplomatic relations between countries, affecting global peace and security?