The Globalist Artemis II: Historic Nasa moon mission launches
Apr 2, 2026
Alexis Taylor, musician and Hot Chip frontman, on making his solo album and songwriting. Petri Burtsov, Monocle correspondent in northern Norway, on Sami culture and the yoik singing tradition. Tira Schubert, journalist and Royal Astronomical Society fellow, on the Artemis II moon mission, lunar geopolitics and international space partnerships.
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Moon Resources Drive Long Term Interest
- The moon is sought for science, helium-3, rare earths and water ice which could enable drinking, breathing and rocket fuel for sustained presence.
- Schubert highlights helium-3's theoretical value and water ice's role in life support and refuelling lunar operations.
Government Programs Seed Lunar Industry
- National programmes still anchor private-sector growth: government-funded missions create demand that hundreds of specialist companies will fill.
- Schubert notes dozens of firms will build landers, servicing and niche capabilities like lunar helium extraction.
Attacks Increase Incentive For Nuclear Deterrents
- US strikes on Iran and President Trump's public claims have increased perceptions of partner unreliability and fuel arguments for nuclear deterrents.
- Georgia Cole points to comparisons with Iraq, Libya and Ukraine to explain why states might view nuclear arms as protection.