Welcome to the GEGSLA Monthly Newsletter!

We are delighted to introduce the 13th edition of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) monthly newsletter. Your unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts remain the cornerstone of our achievements. In the following pages, you will discover compelling updates and meaningful endeavors that mirror our mutual dedication to lunar exploration and sustainability.

Our expedition is one marked by exploration and conscientious action. By advocating for sustainability, we are forging a path towards a future where lunar activities harmonize with the welfare of our planet and beyond.

European Moon Mission control centre to be located in the German city of Oberpfaffenhofen

The German Aerospace Center (DLR), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Free State of Bavaria plan to establish the Human Exploration Control Center for future human spaceflight missions to the Moon in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Europe is a key partner in the return to the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis programme.?The European Moon Mission control centre will be built upon the existing Columbus Control Centre.?The aim is to support future missions to the Moon and, above all, the operation of the Lunar Gateway from the European side.?The DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen has decades of tradition and expertise in operating human spaceflight missions.

Japan's JAXA Moon lander SLIM put to sleep after surviving lunar night

Japan's JAXA Moon lander SLIM has been put back to sleep after it surprisingly survived the freezing, two-week lunar night, the country's space agency said, with another operation attempt scheduled for later.??

Funding boost to grow Aussie space sector and support startups aligned on Artemis Moon to Mars goals

12 new Australian space projects are being supported that will build capability in the Australian local space ecosystem, as well as respond to key challenges and opportunities like climate change. More than $9 million has been awarded to projects which align with NASA’s Artemis program, helping Australian organisations to deliver products and services into global space supply chains. In supporting cutting-edge Aussie space projects, the Albanese Government is backing a series of local space projects to help grow Australia’s space industry.

The 12 projects, which align with NASA’s Artemis mission, will share in more than $9 million in funding to help drive innovation and support cutting-edge Australian science . The Moon to Mars grants will assist these Australian companies to enter global space supply chains. Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants. More details on grant recipients are available here .

NASA Announces First Lunar Instruments for Artemis III Mission

In a significant step toward expanding human presence beyond Earth, NASA has selected the first scientific instruments to be deployed by astronauts on the Moon’s surface during the Artemis III mission. This mission, which marks the first human landing on the Moon in over 50 years, aims to explore the lunar South Pole, focusing on the collection of scientific data that will aid in sustaining long-term human presence on the Moon and preparing for future Mars missions.

The selected instruments are poised to start a new chapter in lunar exploration:

- The Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS), led by Dr. Mehdi Benna of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will monitor seismic activities in the lunar south polar region, providing insights into the Moon’s crust and mantle structure.

- Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF), spearheaded by Christine Escobar of Space Lab Technologies, LLC, aims to study the effects of the lunar environment on plant growth, crucial for understanding how plants can support human life in space.

- The Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA), under the guidance of Dr. Hideaki Miyamoto of the University of Tokyo with support from JAXA, will investigate the Moon’s subsurface and search for ice deposits, a key resource for future lunar settlers.

These instruments, chosen for their innovative designs and crucial scientific objectives, will be part of the Artemis III mission targeted for launch in 2026. They represent a groundbreaking effort to integrate human and robotic exploration for scientific discovery, underscoring NASA’s commitment to the Artemis program’s goal of returning humans to the Moon, landing the first woman and the first person of color, and setting the stage for long-term lunar exploration and eventual journeys to Mars.

Space Applications Services NV/SA (Belgium) are showcasing their lunar rover

Would you like to get a closer look at?Space Applications ServicesLUVMI-X rover? The Space?Science Center Astropolis is showcasing it again this year in?Oostende , with their exhibition “Race to the Moon.” ?The LUVMI-X is a lunar rover capable of carrying a payload and?operating autonomously to conduct various scientific experiments and?explore our satellite. Get more info here .

Canadensys Aerospace Corporation's new partnership for the Moon

Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, and their partners from University of?Guelph and McGill University are excited to be part of this?groundbreaking work with the Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale?canadienne and German Aerospace Center (DLR) . As the evolution of the?work done by the successful EDEN-ISS project on Bioregenerative Life?Support Systems and Lunar Agriculture, the GTD project has the objective of leading to a flight representative system that could?support Artemis missions in the 2030s. The work also has tremendous?potential to benefit remote and other wise challenging locations on?Earth.?Prior to this agreement, Canadensys is already well known as a supplier of lunar cameras and payloads on a number of lunar missions, from ispace to Intuitive Machines. Canadensys cameras are the ones that were used to provide the magnificent pictures of the latest IM-1 Odysseus lander mission.

Intuitive Machines on firmer footing after lunar landing

Intuitive Machines says it is on firmer financial ground after its first lunar landing as the company works on its next mission and pursues other contracts.?The Houston-based company reported March 21 an operating loss of $56.2 million in 2023 on $75.5 million. The revenue was slightly lower than the $85.9 million the company reported in 2022, when it had an operating loss of $5.5 million.?The company ended the year with a cash balance of just $4.5 million, but that grew to $54.6 million by March 1.

Qosmosys and LSA partner to advance lunar economy initiatives

Qosmosys, a pioneering company in the field of lunar economy, has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) to collaborate on cutting-edge research and development projects in the burgeoning field of the growing lunar economy. These projects are still to be selected with the LSA and a particular attention is on the?mutual synergies they create, enhancing Luxembourg’s expertise in space technology while providing Qosmosys with an optimal environment for developing cutting-edge solutions for space exploration, supported by a local skilled workforce and a particular safety-conscious environment. Commenting on the collaboration, Francois Dubrulle, CEO of Qosmosys, stated, “Developing the Moon economy requires a supportive environment to nurture our projects. We are delighted to partner with the Luxembourg Space Agency, sharing a vision of unlocking the immense potential of the Moon economy. Recognizing the importance of LSA’s position within the?European ecosystem, we believe this collaboration will be instrumental in our development journey. Success requires choosing the right location.”

Astrobotic's Peregrine payloads returned useful data despite no lunar landing

Despite not making it to the moon, NASA and others flying payloads on Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander say they still got useful data from the mission . While many of the science payloads on Peregrine weren’t able to collect their intended data from the surface of the moon, they were able to be tested in space and, in some cases, perform some science.?Among them was the Linear Energy Transfer Spectrometer (LETS) instrument, which collected data about the cislunar radiation environment rather than on the lunar surface as intended. “We had to move our operations around to pull data down during the flight,” said Stuart George of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one of the leaders of the instrument. “The instrument worked perfectly the whole time.”

China reports progress on manned lunar program with development of key technologies

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) recently provided an update on China's ongoing manned lunar exploration efforts , indicating steady progress toward achieving a manned Moon landing before 2030. Space and the Moon are crucial and central in China's vision and ambition for the next decades.

NASA Receives Budgetary Support for Artemis for FY 2025

The Biden-Harris Administration has released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which includes funding that will allow NASA to continue advancing its understanding of Earth and space . As a result, the budget will enable NASA to launch the Artemis II mission, sending astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and research Earth’s changing climate, among others.?The budget includes $7.8 billion for the Artemis campaign, which will bring astronauts to the lunar surface as part of a long-term journey of science and exploration. Furthermore, it invests $2.4 billion in the Earth Science program for missions and activities that advance Earth systems science and increase accessibility to information to mitigate natural hazards, support climate action, and manage natural resources.

China successfully launches communication satellite Queqiao-2 for lunar exploration

China has launched a new Moon relay satellite to enable its next set of ambitious lunar exploration missions.?Queqiao-2 (鹊桥二号 or “Magpie Bridge-2”) lifted off on a Long March 8 rocket from China’s Wenchang spaceport on March 20 (UTC). Its role will be to support new missions targeting the Moon’s far side and its south pole by acting as a communications relay. The spacecraft will relay communications to Earth to support lunar far side and south pole missions.?Queqiao-2 also carries three science payloads for studying near-Earth space and a VLBI experiment.?The spacecraft could potentially support lunar missions by other countries.

Astrobotic hires space industry veterans to help with Griffin lander

Astrobotic announced March 21 that it hired Steve Clarke as its new vice president of landers and spacecraft and Frank Peri as its director of engineering . It also brought on board Mike Gazarik and Jim Reuter as advisers.?Clarke is a former NASA official who held roles that include serving as deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, overseeing the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program that Astrobotic is a part of. He was most recently director of future architectures at Sierra Space. Peri is a former director of the Safety and Mission Assurance Office at NASA’s Langley Research Center. The hirings come as Astrobotic is working to wrap up its investigation into Peregrine Mission 1, its first lunar lander mission. That spacecraft launched on Jan. 8 but suffered a propellant leak hours after liftoff that prevented a lunar landing. The spacecraft flew for a week and a half in cislunar space before reentering over the South Pacific.

ispace-US and RSA Sign Payload Services Agreement

ispace Technologies U.S., inc. (ispace-U.S.) has signed a payload services agreement with Rhea Space Activity (RSA) to deliver autonomous guidance and navigation technology to lunar orbit aboard ispace-U.S.’s Mission 3 scheduled for 2026. The agreement will consequently foster collaboration to test RSA’s Jervis Autonomy Module (JAM), a novel autonomous navigation technology which recently received funding through a grant from NASA’s TechFlights Program.?Based on the agreement, ispace-US will host two of RSA’s JAM modules on two separate communications satellites in lunar orbit that will communicate with the Apex 1.0 Lunar Lander. Furthermore, RSA’s JAM modules will fly in conjunction with ispace-U.S.’s contribution to the Draper-led Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative in 2026.

Forecastro: Revolutionizing Lunar Exploration: Harnessing Drones for Precision Mapping

?According to Forecastro, drones, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and navigation systems, have the potential to revolutionize lunar exploration . Their ability to traverse rugged terrain and access hard-to-reach areas makes them invaluable tools for mapping the lunar surface. By employing drones, scientists can gather crucial data with unprecedented precision, unlocking new insights into the moon's composition, topography, and geological features.?One of the most significant advantages of utilizing drones for lunar mapping is their ability to capture high-resolution imagery. Equipped with advanced cameras and LiDAR technology, these aerial vehicles can generate detailed 3D maps of the lunar landscape. This precise data enables scientists to identify potential landing sites for future missions, study geological formations, and even locate valuable resources such as water ice.

Interlune targets He-3 extraction

Upon raising 15.6Mn$ in February 2024, Interlune has confirmed that it will use the funds to target extraction of He-3 on the lunar surface . While He-3 is so far mostly used on Earth in security and medical sensors to detect radiation, its main market is predicated on its use as fuel for a nuclear fusion power plant . However, the scientific and technological mastery of this new and potentially infinite source of energy remains decades away. On the other hand, it is not too early to get started to validate the techno-economic viability of He-3 extraction on the Moon, and quantify explicable reserves.?

NASA and Intuitive Machines declare IM-1 Odysseus a success

Intuitive Machines? and NASA called IM-1 lunar lander Odysseus?an “unqualified success” ?as the mission winded down. As reported by Intuitive Machines, the IM-1 Mission successfully landed the first spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole region , marking the United States’ first return since Apollo 17 and the first commercial lunar landing to transmit valuable science data of each NASA payload from the lunar surface. In addition, the operation of the Company’s liquid methane and liquid oxygen propulsion system in deep space is flight-proven through successful mission operations. Intuitive Machines achieved these marquee accomplishments in the company’s first attempt to land on the Moon. The photos included provide some of the first photos of Odysseus landing on the moon. Intuitive Machines also indicated that it would attempt at reanimating Odysseus solar cells and payload when exiting the long and cold lunar night.

Rhea Space Activity Expands Lunar Intelligence (LUNINT) Business with Two Lunar Payloads

Rhea Space Activity Expands Lunar Intelligence (LUNINT) Business with Two Lunar Payloads .?Payloads will demonstrate LUNINT capabilities using celestial navigation, lunar terrain tracking & taking highest resolution images of the Moon from lunar orbit.

ispace EUROPE and CDS sign agreement for lunar precise location measurement technology

ispace EUROPE and Control Data Systems SRL (CDS) have signed an agreement aimed at bringing innovative precise location measurement technology to the Moon . Ispace Europe and CDS memorandum of understanding is related to payload services and strategic cooperation on future lunar missions, the two companies announced. The agreement aims to leverage ispace’s lunar transportation services and CDS’s advanced localization (position measurement) and telecommunications capabilities to promote further exploration of the lunar surface aimed at supporting long-term human habitation and infrastructure on the Moon.

NASA studying issues with Orion hatch design

A NASA safety panel says the agency is studying issues with the design of the side hatch of the Orion spacecraft that could affect its ability to be opened. This is consistent with NASA's "safety first" approach to the Artemis program.

Blue Origin aims to launch first lunar lander in 2025

Blue Origin aims to land its Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo vehicle on the Moon next year, setting an aggressive timeline as the company charts a new course of decisive action and big swings after not reaching orbit in its first two decades of operations. As highlighted in CBS News | 60 Minutes NASA's pricey mission to send U.S. back to moon faces technical challenges. The space agency is now working with both SpaceX and Blue Origin. Blue Origin's aim to launch first lunar lander in 2025 is further analyzed here .

Olsen Actuators and Drives Secure Funding for Lunar Rover System?

Olsen Actuators and Drives has won its first UK Space Agency (UKSA) funding to deliver a Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrator for a new lunar rover the University of Manchester is designing.?The project will develop and fabricate a jumping robot system capable of thrusting upwards, descending, and self-righting that will lower into lava tubes under the surface of the Moon. Experts have earmarked these lava tubes for potential initial future human habitation.

The Moon is a Harsh Success: grading how recent lunar missions landed

In "The Moon is a Harsh Success ,"?Christophe Bosquillon observes that not crashing on the Moon doesn’t automatically mean soft-landing. There’s been no shortage of recent attempts at clarifying what the problems are with the definitions of success or failure for a Moon mission. Bearing in mind the pressure applied on CEOs, leadership, and crews of many lunar-aiming venture businesses, and knowing how challenging is to land on the Moon, it is nevertheless important for the insiders of the sector to develop considerations worthy of lunar stakeholders as they sort out their concerns. In that context, the article also refers to not littering the Moon with debris, and the purpose of safe and sustainable lunar activities, with links to COPUOS/UNOOSA and GEGSLA.

(NB: for those of our readers not familiar with 1960’s science fiction literature, the title of the article is a wink to Robert A. Heinlein’s famous novel )

The next chapter of lunar exploration could forever change the Moon -?and our relationship to it

Where will humanity, and the Moon, be by the next lunar standstill in the early 2040s? This is the question that Aparna Venkatesan (astronomer and dark-sky advocate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of San Francisco) and John Barentine (astronomer, historian, author, science communicator, and founder of Dark Sky Consulting, LLC.) ask in this Op-Ed . For as long as there have been humans, the Moon has been a calendar, ancestor, ritual, inspiration, and origin story for humanity. Its monthly and subtler generational cycles have been — and are still — painstakingly recorded and celebrated by cultures around the world since prehistoric times. These recurring sequences include the "major lunar standstills" occurring every 18.6 years, when the moon reaches its most northern/southern points, or lunistices, within the course of a single month. We are now entering the period of the latest major standstill in 2024-25. ?

UNOOSA acknowledges the role of MVA in leading to the creation of the International Moon Day

MVA President Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi is pleased to confirm that, following a 2-years deliberation process, UNOOSA has decided to formally acknowledge the foundational leadership role of MVA in proposing, creating, and implementing the International Moon Day (IMD) . As a result, the section of the UNOOSA website related to the IMD is now including a direct reference to the MVA, with a mention as follows: "The UNGA's decision was made after a proposal by the Moon Village Association, which was endorsed by COPUOS". The conversations between MVA and the UNOOSA Director were led by Dorin Prunariu , who gets primary credit for this achievement. Congratulations to MVA, GEGSLA, and IMD members who participate into these team efforts. It is hoped that this link?will increase the visibility of MVA, GEGSLA, and IMD, and bring more initiatives, events, and sponsors!

Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi highlights the importance of international cooperation at Policy Symposium

Ahead of the major conference on the Management and Sustainability of Outer Space Activities in Lisbon (14-15 May 2024), the Portuguese Space Agency and UNOOSA hosted a preparatory symposium (11-15 March 2024) to address vital space policy. MVA President Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi delivered a presentation during the Civil Society Organizations session on 15 March. Dr. Reibaldi emphasized the importance of international cooperation and the role of civil society in sustainable lunar exploration, highlighting the crucial role of global partnerships in advancing lunar exploration initiatives.

The symposium, serving as a foundation for the upcoming Lisbon conference, underscored the need for inclusivity and collaboration among all space stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of outer space activities.

Space Resources Week 2024 took place on 25-27 March 2024

Space Resources Week 2024 , held in Luxembourg and accessible online from 25-27 March, has yet again demonstrated its importance as a forum for discussing the future of space resource utilization. Each year, SRW evolves to reflect the changing landscape of the space sector, setting the stage for discussions on regulatory, financial, and sustainability aspects of space resources.

The inaugural SRW in 2019 laid the groundwork by exploring utilization scenarios for space resources, examining the emerging market from regulatory, financial, and business perspectives. In 2020, the focus shifted towards sustainability, highlighting how space resources could enhance life on Earth. By 2023, the spotlight turned to the development of an inclusive space resources ecosystem, emphasizing the need for synergy among stakeholders.

The 2024 edition aimed to set priorities, strengthen coordinated activities, and unveil new developments for cleaner and more responsible space exploration. A key part of this year’s discussions was the legal and regulatory session on 25 March, which concentrated on creating an international framework for space resources activities.

This session, which took place in the Delegates room, underscored the necessity for both national and international regulations to ensure peaceful, sustainable, and responsible space exploration. Experts like Xu Yu and Dorin Prunariu , on behalf of MVA, offered insights into modernizing space law and enhancing cooperation for lunar activities, highlighting the session's significance in paving the way toward a more coordinated and collaborative future in space exploration.

Further enriching the discussions at SRW 2024, the "Sustainability and Space Resources" segment held in the Plenary room featured influential speakers like Dennis O'Brien and Tommaso Turchetto. Dennis O'Brien, President of The Space Treaty Project, delivered a talk titled "Protecting Private Sector Priorities as COPUOS Debates Coordination of Space Resource Utilization." This presentation focused on the delicate balance between advancing space resource utilization and safeguarding the interests of the private sector amid ongoing international debates.

The addition of such vital discussions on sustainability alongside legal and regulatory challenges enriches SRW’s agenda, ensuring that the conversation around space resources remains holistic, forward-thinking, and inclusive of all stakeholders. As SRW continues to adapt and grow with each edition, it reaffirms its role as a crucial platform for setting the future direction of space resource utilization, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation.

Space Resources Week 2024 successfully navigated the complexities of space governance, sustainability, and international collaboration, setting a clear path for the sector's future. Through insightful talks and collaborative sessions, it laid the groundwork for continued progress in space exploration and resource utilization, in harmony with Earth's environmental needs and the global economy.

Submission by the Delegation of China to the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

China discloses its legal position on the utilisation of space resources, in preparation of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS 2024. The English version is available here . ? A short summary is available here ?and a longer analysis here .

IAA Symposium on Moon Farside Protection

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) hosted its inaugural Symposium on Moon Farside Protection on March 21-22, 2024, in Turin, Italy, bringing together a distinguished assembly of experts to advocate for the preservation of the Moon's Farside. Among the esteemed speakers, Giuseppe Reibaldi, Secretary General of the Moon Village Association (MVA), delivered a keynote address on the "Moon Village Association contribution to international lunar coordination and cooperation." His talk emphasized the MVA's pivotal role in fostering global partnerships for the sustainable exploration and development of the lunar environment.

Reibaldi's presentation underscored the Moon Village Association's commitment to creating a cooperative framework for lunar activities, highlighting the necessity of international collaboration to ensure the successful and responsible exploration of the Moon. The MVA's efforts are instrumental in bridging the gap between nations and organizations, promoting a shared vision for the future of lunar exploration that respects scientific, cultural, and environmental values.

Ian Crawford, from the School of Natural Sciences at Birkbeck College, University of London, shared his expertise on "Astrobiology from the Lunar Farside." Crawford's talk shed light on the unprecedented opportunities for astrobiological research offered by the Moon's Farside. This area, shielded from Earth's electromagnetic interference, presents an ideal setting for studying the origins and evolution of life in the universe. Crawford emphasized the importance of protecting this unique environment to advance our understanding of life's potential beyond Earth.

The Symposium on Moon Farside Protection was a landmark event, uniting the scientific, political, and industrial communities in a common goal to safeguard the radio silence of the Moon's Farside for future scientific pursuits. The presentations by Giuseppe Reibaldi and Ian Crawford, among others, highlighted the critical need for a global effort to preserve and utilize this untapped scientific frontier responsibly. As the discussions from the symposium reverberate within the international community, the path towards a collaborative and sustainable approach to lunar exploration and astrobiological studies on the Moon's Farside becomes ever clearer. More information can be found here .

Romania?Proposed an Action Team for Lunar Activities Coordination

In February, Romania proposed the creation of the Action Team for Lunar Activity Coordination (ATLAC) at the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). This initiative, which aligns with the objectives of Working Group 3 (WG3) of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA), aims to establish a unified approach to lunar exploration and has received notable support from member states.

The ATLAC initiative seeks to facilitate coordinated operations on the Moon, covering aspects from landing coordination and information sharing to the preservation of lunar heritage. This is in line with WG3's mission to foster sustainable and collaborative space exploration efforts.

The consultation process will continue at the Legal Subcommittee in April, with the goal of approving the Action Team at the COPUOS session in June.

GEGSLA's Key Framework Document Now Available in Arabic

In a significant step towards broadening global accessibility and understanding, the "Recommended Framework and Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities" document has been translated into Arabic. This commendable effort was undertaken by Nasr A. Al-Sahhaf, PhD, Chair of the International Moon Day Group (IMD-G), based in Vienna, Austria. This translation is a testament to GEGSLA's commitment to inclusive and diverse participation in lunar activities. The Arabic version of the document, which aims to guide the international community in responsible lunar exploration and use, is now available for download here , facilitating wider engagement and understanding among Arabic-speaking stakeholders in the field of lunar activities.

The UK and Canadian Space Agencies just launched the Aqualunar Challenge

by Christophe Bosquillon

The UK Space Agency (UK-led ) together with the Canadian Space Agency (Canada-led ) just launched the Aqualunar Challenge - a ￡1.2m challenge prize to reward the development of new technologies that can purify water ice found in the Moon’s soil. As part of their contribution to the Artemis Missions, UKSA and CSA hope these technologies will go on to support a permanent crewed lunar base, providing a source of water for drinking and growing food, as well as a source of oxygen for air and hydrogen for fuel.

This challenge is also rooted in popular demand: findings from new research show how people in the UK would like these kinds of technology to be repurposed to meet sustainability challenges on Earth. The Aqualunar Challenge is an open innovation competition, entrants do not need prior experience of working in the space sector. Innovators that work in, for example, the water, chemical and physical engineering, biosciences, environmental sciences and the sustainability sectors are encouraged just as much as those already working in the space and satellite sectors.

The challenge encourages international collaboration within teams, although entrants to the UK track must have a UK lead partner (likewise the Canadian track requires a Canadian lead partner). Nesta’s Challenge Works is in charge of the logistics of the Aqualunar Challenge. The deadline to enter the Aqualunar Challenge is 8 April 2024. Practical details here and here .

Join as a GEGSLA Participant

If you're interested in joining GEGSLA as a participant in its Operational Phase and support the dissemination of the Recommended Framework , you may express your interest at the form here . This Expression of Interest form is designed to gather information from individuals who are interested in becoming members of the group. It includes questions about the applicant's background, expertise, and interest in sustainable lunar activities. The purpose of this form is to recruit qualified individuals who can contribute to the group's mission of promoting sustainable and responsible lunar activities through the GEGSLA Framework.

Outreach Events on Lunar Coordination and the GEGSLA Framework

We invite all community members to join us in spreading lunar knowledge by organizing Outreach Events focused on Lunar Coordination and the GEGSLA Framework. Whether you're a seasoned space expert or simply curious about lunar advancements, outreach events provide a platform to discuss and learn about optimized lunar infrastructure and its implications for the future. It is a great opportunity to share insights, engage with fellow enthusiasts, and contribute to the expansion of lunar knowledge. If you are organizing an outreach event related to our work at GEGSLA or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

MVA Adaptive Governance Working Group

The Adaptive Governance Working Group (AGWG) of the Moon Village Association is dedicated to promoting cooperation, coordination and governance for peaceful and sustainable activities on the Moon, converging with the work of GEGSLA. Among its recent activities are the Registration Project, the inputs for the UN COPUOS LSC Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities and the ongoing Benefit Sharing Project (BSP). Get involved by contacting the WG secretary Constantine Arhontas at [email protected] .

During the current Operational Phase, GEGSLA's main sponsors for 2024 so far, are Luxembourg Space Agency , COSPAR – Committee on Space Research and Lockheed Martin . We are grateful for their continued support in our efforts to foster sustainability and inclusion in future lunar activities. Our sponsors are essential players in making our vision for an international Moon Village a reality.

GEGSLA is committed to advancing the cause of sustainable lunar exploration on a global scale. In line with MVA's mission, we promote peaceful, collaborative, and sustainable lunar activities while fostering international cooperation. We believe that the Moon holds immense potential for scientific, economic, and societal advancement and is vital to humanity's future.

In 2024, we have ambitious plans to further these goals:

1. Policy Advocacy within the UN Framework: We will continue our engagement with international space organizations and policymakers to advocate for policies promoting responsible lunar resource use. We'll share our Recommended Framework for Sustainable Lunar Activities, focusing on bodies like the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Summit of the Future (SoF).

2. Raising Awareness via Outreach: GEGSLA will actively raise awareness about lunar sustainability through webinars, seminars, and conferences. We aim to present our findings during COPUOS sessions, ensuring our recommendations are considered at the highest levels of space governance.

3. Collaborative Projects: We seek partnerships with organizations sharing our vision to initiate projects in lunar exploration, research, and sustainability, turning our framework into actionable solutions.

4. Working Groups: Expert-led working groups will tackle lunar sustainability facets, developing guidelines and recommendations.

Your sponsorship of GEGSLA for our 2024 activities directly contributes to lunar exploration and sustainable Moon presence. It supports planning and execution of these activities, ensuring their success. In return, we offer tailored benefits, including prominent visibility, acknowledgments, and networking opportunities.

By joining us, you demonstrate commitment to responsible space exploration and play a pivotal role in shaping lunar activities' future. We are actively seeking sponsors to be confirmed by end of November 2023.

If you are interested in sponsoring GEGSLA's activities, you may contact us at [email protected] or donate directly to GEGSLA through the MVA website here .

6th GEGSLA Operational Meeting Set for May 29, 2024: Focusing on UN COPUOS Preparations

We are excited to announce the upcoming 6th Operational Meeting of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA), scheduled for May 29, 2024. This meeting is set to be a pivotal gathering for GEGSLA, especially as it aims to prepare for the upcoming United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) session. The meeting represents a crucial opportunity for our experts and working groups to synchronize their efforts, review the progress made so far, and strategize for the future.

In line with our commitment to inclusivity and global participation, the 6th Operational Meeting will be conducted virtually. This format ensures that our international members can contribute effectively, regardless of their location. The agenda for this meeting is particularly significant as it will focus on shaping our contributions and positions for the forthcoming UN COPUOS session. We'll be discussing critical developments in policy, ongoing outreach efforts, the advancement of our research projects, and exploring new partnership avenues.

We urge all participants to prioritize this meeting and register early using the provided link, ensuring their active participation in these crucial discussions. The registration link and additional details about the meeting's agenda and logistics will be shared in our upcoming newsletter.

This meeting is more than just a routine gathering; it's a call to action for all GEGSLA members to collaboratively steer the direction of sustainable lunar activities and make a meaningful impact at the UN COPUOS. Let's come together to make this a defining moment for GEGSLA and set the tone for our collective efforts in 2024 and beyond.

Upcoming webinar "Climate Action & Lunar Exploration"

MVA is excited to announce our upcoming webinar "Climate Action & Lunar Exploration" on Earth Day, April 22nd, co-organized with?The Human Space Program ?and?Cosmic Citizen Trainings, Inc. ?

Contact Us

If you would like to share news or events in our next monthly newsletter, partner with GEGSLA, or highlight your organization's work, reach out to us at [email protected]