This book stems from the work carried out by students during a single semester
of the course Space Resources and Planetary Settlements of the Master
degree in Space and Aeronautical Engineering of the Universitat Politècnica
de Catalunya. It aims to provide a scientific and engineering view on the
Moon as a place where humans can live and work for the benefit of humanity,
sustainably. After a review of the Moon's environmental conditions and
natural resources, important issues such as energy, life support systems and
the analysis of robotic vs. human activities are discussed in detail. Travel to
and from the Moon is also considered, including the lessons learned about
transportation strategies on continuous round trips to and from the International
Space Station during the early 21st century. Finally, a set of different
activities that can be carried out and, in the authors' opinion, fully justify
the return to our natural satellite, are treated in some detail.tail. Travel to
and from the Moon is also considered, including the lessons learned about
transportation strategies on continuous round trips to and from the International
Space Station during the early 21st century. Finally, a set of different
activities that can be carried out and, in the authors' opinion, fully justify the
return to our natural satellite, are treated in some detail.