In the final year of the 21st century, a journey to the Moon may no longer be the stuff of science fiction. What was once the realm of astronauts in bulky suits has rapidly evolved into a burgeoning sector of luxury travel, lunar exploration, and even early colonisation.
2100fuse examines how Moon travel has transformed from Cold War ambition into the next great leap in human mobility — and what lies ahead.
From Rockets to Spaceplanes: The Rise of Moonflight
In 1969, Neil Armstrong made his historic small step on the Moon. By 2100, hundreds of people are making that step every month — albeit wearing sleeker, AI-assisted exosuits and stepping off passenger-class spaceplanes rather than command modules.
The development of nuclear-thermal propulsion and the Earth-to-orbit sky elevators, completed in the 2080s, drastically cut the cost and time of space travel. Today, a suborbital ascent via maglev shuttle, a short dock at one of the orbital stations, and a two-day cruise aboard a “lunar cruiser” can take you to the Sea of Tranquility — with in-flight entertainment and a pressurised viewing dome.
Moonliners like those operated by Celestis International and Euraspace offer services ranging from budget-friendly cargo rides to premium orbital cabins with panoramic lunar views. “We’ve brought the Moon into the global travel market,” says Celestis CEO Dr Hana Patel. “For many of our passengers, it’s just another stamp in the passport.”
Lunar Tourism and the Rise of Moon Resorts
The Moon’s surface, once desolate and only home to flags and forgotten rovers, now hosts a range of facilities — from scientific outposts to luxury resorts.
The Armstrong Habitat near Shackleton Crater boasts the first lunar golf course (indoor, of course), while the Tycho Dome offers guests the chance to sleep under simulated lunar skies with Earthrise in the distance.
Safety is a prime concern. All tourists undergo basic zero-G adaptation training and are monitored for exposure to radiation. But with smart suits, artificial gravity lounges, and sealed habitats, most visitors are more concerned with catching a good photo than survival.
“I couldn’t believe the silence,” says Lin Zhang, a travel vlogger who recently completed her second lunar visit. “There’s no wind, no birds. Just you, the stars, and the crunch of dust under your boots. It’s meditative — almost spiritual.”
Permanent Presence: Not Just a Visit
With the establishment of the United Nations Lunar Coordination Authority (UNLCA) in 2091, the Moon has slowly become a permanent human presence. Scientific bases have expanded, and now semi-permanent settlements are trialling hydroponic farms, solar energy harvesting, and even 3D-printed habitats built from lunar regolith.
Private companies and governments are also eyeing the Moon for more than tourism. The mining of helium-3 — a potential clean energy source — has drawn investment from Earth’s largest energy conglomerates, while others are exploring the potential for space manufacturing.
Critics, however, warn that the race to commercialise the Moon risks replicating Earth’s geopolitical tensions. “We need to ensure the Moon remains a shared space, not a frontier for conflict,” says Dr. Amina El-Tayeb, policy advisor at the Global Space Ethics Council.
The View Ahead
Looking to 2150 and beyond, the Moon may be seen not just as a destination, but as a gateway. Plans for the Lunar Gateway Station — an interplanetary launch pad orbiting the Moon — are already underway. From there, Mars and beyond are within practical reach.
As humanity stretches its reach into the cosmos, the Moon serves as our training ground, proving that sustainable, peaceful exploration is not only possible — it’s already happening.
For now, the lunar trip remains a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for most. But in the words of a 21st-century visionary, Elon Musk: “The Moon is just the beginning.”