An economic rationale for lunar mineral exploration

This paper makes a case for the economic value of lunar exploration. The history of lunar exploration is presented as a background, along with a summary of lunar resource utilization engineering and technology development studies. Model development and results for the 2002 lunar resource economic study are summarized, highlighting results that directly pertain to the case for lunar exploration. Finally, the case is made for a lunar surface mission that could reduce uncertainty in the economic model. Interspersed through the paper are perspectives and insights stemming from mineral industry exploration economics that have direct relevance to the case for lunar exploration.