Do we need a lunar building code to build moon bases safely?

space.com Jun 20, 2026

Do we need a lunar building code to build moon bases safely?

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A lunar building code is needed to ensure the safety and integrity of structures built on the moon, according to Nerma Caluk, an engineer and lunar specialist. The moon's low gravity and lack of terrestrial building experiences pose significant challenges. Caluk suggests leveraging terrestrial building experiences to develop specific design criteria for the moon. NASA and China's space agency are planning to build habitats and other structures on the moon, but the lack of a lunar building code could put these projects at risk. A group is working on guidelines to tackle seismic issues imposed by moonquakes.

💡 Why It Matters

· Lunar construction poses unique risks, such as catastrophic depressurization from structural breaches, making a building code crucial for crewed missions.
· Safe commercial development relies on defensible technical guidelines.

Capsules Space

Read full article on space.com

India’s space economy is taking off — and states want a bigger…

India's space policy has opened the sector to private players, allowing non-government entities to build, own, and operate space assets. The government aims to grow India's space economy from $8-9 billion to nearly $44 billion by 2033, increasing its global share from 2% to 8%. States like Karnataka are building platforms to turn ambition into market reality, with the state aiming to capture nearly 50% of India's space economy. The global space economy is valued at over $600 billion and is projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035.

💡 The shift in India's space policy creates a structural change, expanding the country's ecosystem with close to 200 space startups and over 400 private companies. This momentum on the ground will likely propel India's space economy to new heights, solidifying its position as a major player in the global space industry.

theuknews.com · Jun 20

Insurers explore coverage for space-based AI facilities

Space companies are discussing insurance coverage with brokers and underwriters for orbital AI data centers, a concept supported by SpaceX and Blue Origin. The talks mark an early step toward building a market for space-based data infrastructure to overcome power and capacity constraints facing Earth-based data centers. Securing insurance is essential to attract financing for large-scale deployment. Preliminary discussions have taken place with several brokers, underwriters, and space companies, including Blue Origin and startups. The global space insurance market generates roughly $500 million in annual premiums, but insurers have little historical data to assess the risks associated with orbital AI infrastructure, making it challenging to determine coverage and premiums.

💡 Insurers must develop new risk models to cover orbital AI infrastructure, as existing models are insufficient. Valuing advanced AI chips in space poses a significant challenge due to harsh environmental conditions and rapidly changing technology cycles.

space.com · Jun 20

Menstruation in space will be studied for 1st time with ‘Operation Period’

Virgin Galactic is partnering with non-profit organization Operation Period to launch the first study dedicated to researching menstruation in microgravity. Led by Gen-Z researchers, Operation Period aims to provide "menstrual freedom" and tackle issues that leave people without access to menstrual products. The study, Operation Period-01, will be conducted on a suborbital flight in 2027 by the organization's founders, who will become some of the youngest South Asian women to travel to space. The research aims to address the current issues of menstruation in space, including the limited data on the topic and the reliance on hormonal suppression methods.

💡 This mission highlights the need for inclusive space exploration that prioritizes the health and well-being of all astronauts, regardless of their menstrual status. By collecting comprehensive data on menstruation in space, Operation Period aims to break down barriers and ensure that astronauts have access to the same opportunities and choices as their peers on Earth.

spacenews.com · Jun 20

Austrian propulsion startup joins sovereign space funding surge

Austrian satellite propulsion startup Gate Space has secured 6.3 million euros ($7.2 million) in funding from Europe's government-backed accelerator program. The funding will accelerate the industrialization of chemical propulsion technology, set to debut on Austria's inaugural military satellite, BeaconSat, in February. Gate Space is developing high-thrust chemical propulsion systems for satellites, capsules, and landing vehicles, with a focus on providing reliable maneuvering capabilities for safe collision avoidance and de-orbiting. The startup has also secured customer missions, including the European Space Agency's ASTRAL space refueling mission.

💡 The surge in funding for European space companies like Gate Space underscores a growing recognition of the importance of a European industrial base for space technology. By developing its own space capabilities, Europe aims to reduce its reliance on SpaceX and other foreign providers, promoting greater space sovereignty and economic opportunity.

spacenews.com · Jun 20

ElevationSpace Secures US $40 Million in Series B Funding, Bringing Total Raised…

ElevationSpace Inc. has secured US $40 million in its Series B funding round, bringing the total raised to US $63.5 million. The company is developing space-to-Earth transportation services and a space environment utilization and recovery platform, leveraging Japan's expertise in small satellite lift-guided re-entry. The funding will support the development and operation of the company's services, as well as its global expansion. ElevationSpace is close to completing the assembly of its first private re-entry satellite, the "AOBA," and has established partnerships with companies such as Axiom Space and Redwire.

💡 This funding milestone underscores the growing demand for space transportation and low-Earth orbit utilization services, and ElevationSpace's leadership in this space. The company's innovative technology and strategic partnerships position it for significant growth in the post-ISS era.

techtimes.com · Jun 20

Hanwha Aerospace Opens Its R&D Wish List to Court Startup Tech Partners

Hanwha Aerospace is seeking partners to co-develop next-generation technologies by publicly disclosing its internal development challenges. The South Korean defense company participated in the NextRise 2026 startup fair to recruit partners for 12 projects, including autonomous-driving AI and counter-drone systems. Hanwha aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, as dependence on overseas vendors has become a liability in the past. The company is looking for domestic alternatives to critical parts, such as a 28-volt vehicle DC generator and battery monitoring hardware. This approach allows Hanwha to tap into niche specialties and fast-moving expertise.

💡 By crowdsourcing solutions, Hanwha can access innovative technologies that might not be available through traditional procurement channels. This approach also helps the company mitigate geopolitical and export-control risks associated with importing critical parts.