Although pioneer settlements are often founded for political or ideological reasons distinct from short-term economic justifications, their survival and growth depend on economic factors. The settlers must be able to make a living, whether at subsistence, commercial farming, fishing, mining,...

High transport costs will dominate the pattern of lunar development. During the earliest phases, when lunar facilities consist of a research and resource development complex with staff serving tours of a few months, transport costs will encourage local production of food, fuel, and building...