Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Credit: ESA–Stephane Corvaja, 2016

The European Space agency is pressing forward on its vision to establish a “Moon Village,” a product of international collaboration between space faring nations. This village would be a permanent lunar base for science, business, mining and even tourism.

The Moon Village concept was advocated by Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) during the 32nd Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 11-14 and sponsored by the Space Foundation.

Wörner emphasized that the Moon Village would be an open station, for use by member states of ESA and for different states around the globe. The European strategy considers the Moon as the next destination for humans venturing beyond low Earth-orbit. Utilizing the Moon is seen as part of the roadmap towards human missions to Mars…and beyond, he said.

For access to my new Space.com story, go to:

Europe Aiming for International ‘Moon Village’

http://www.space.com/32695-moon-colony-european-space-agency.html

NOTE: Videos that detail the Moon Village are available here:

• http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2016/02/ESA_Euronews_Moon_Village

• http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2016/03/Moon_Village2

Earth’s Moon as seen from the International Space Station taken by ESA British astronaut, Tim Peake.
Credit: NASA/ESA

Inside look at one idea the European Space Agency is exploring in its formulation of a “Moon Village” that incorporates 3D printing.
Credit: ESA/ Foster + Partners