Author: Scanway
Publication date:
Lunar exploration is becoming one of the most important areas of development for the global space industry.
- The value of of investment in lunar missions will rise from $11 billion in 2023 to nearly $17 billion annually in 2032, representing an average annual growth rate of 5%—according to a Euroconsult report “Prospects for Space Exploration”
- As representatives of Scanway S.A., an expert in space observation technologies, point out, further exploration of the Moon will require advanced optical systems that will enable detailed studies of the Moon’s surface and the identification of its key resources
According to a Euroconsult report, global investment in space exploration in 2023 totaled $26 billion, 90% of which was concentrated in the budgets of the three largest players (the U.S. – 65%, China – 19%, ESA – 6%). Lunar exploration plays a key role in this funding, and its share is expected to grow, reaching nearly $17 billion annually by 2032. Over the next decade, more than 750 space missions are expected to be carried out, 31% of which will be related to lunar exploration, according to Euroconsult experts. Plans for lunar exploration include both crewed missions, which require the construction of orbital and transport infrastructure, as well as observational and robotic missions aimed at laying the groundwork for a planned permanent human presence on the Moon.
The Moon’s Economic Potential
According to the report’s authors, the Moon’s economic potential stems from several key factors. First, the Moon is a source of valuable raw materials, such as helium-3 and rare metals, which could revolutionize the energy sector on Earth. Second, the development of ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) technology will enable the extraction and use of raw materials directly on site, which will significantly reduce the operating costs of future lunar bases. Third, the Moon’s surface offers excellent conditions for testing innovative technologies that will be used in future ambitious missions, such as crewed expeditions to Mars.
Exploration of the Moon will require the development of, for example, advanced optical systems that enable detailed mapping of the surface and the identification of potential resources. Precise identification of potential landing sites for future missions will be a key factor in ensuring the safety and cost-effectiveness of those missions. Such technologies support both precise analysis and continuous, near-real-time monitoring of conditions on the Moon’s surface, making them essential for planning numerous lunar missions and ensuring an adequate level of safety for future astronauts. – explains Michał Zięba, Chief Technology Officer at Scanway S.A.
Stages of Lunar Exploration
The growing interest in the Moon is unfolding in several stages. The preparatory phase, which we are currently witnessing, includes unmanned demonstration missions and the construction of basic infrastructure, such as the Lunar Gateway orbital station and the communication systems necessary to manage missions from Earth. Between 2025 and 2030, plans call for the introduction of more regular transport missions, the development of ISRU technologies, and power systems capable of operating under extreme conditions, such as the 14-day-long lunar night. During the operational phase, projected for 2030 and beyond, the plan calls for a permanent human and robotic presence on the Moon, routine use of its resources, and the development of residential and industrial infrastructure.
Poland’s Contribution to the Exploration of the Silver Globe
In this lunar puzzle, the Polish space sector is playing an increasingly important role in international lunar projects. Entities such as Creotech Instruments, the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Astronika, and PIAP Space are already participating in international projects of the European Space Agency, including the development of satellites for mapping the Moon, transportation solutions, and projects focused on building logistics infrastructure.
– In 2019, I predicted that by around 2025, Scanway would also be closer to the Moon. I think there’s a good chance that next year we’ll launch key partnerships and projects that will bring our plans in this area to fruition. Poland’s increased contribution to the European Space Agency—part of which is earmarked for lunar projects—is also encouraging. I believe we will be able to carry out projects funded by these resources – emphasizes Jędrzej Kowalewski, CEO of Scanway S.A.
Challenges and the Future
However, the rapid growth of the lunar economy comes with many challenges.
– The high costs of building infrastructure, the need to develop advanced power and communication technologies and habitats for crews, and, above all, the lack of international regulations governing the use of space resources will certainly require a global consensus— notes Mikołaj Podgórski, Chief Operating Officer of Scanway S.A.
The Euroconsult report shows that lunar exploration is not only about science and technology, but also a tremendous economic opportunity.
“In the coming decade, the Moon may become a key focus for the economies of many countries, which in the long term will enable a sustainable human presence beyond Earth and the development of innovative business models,” adds Mikołaj Podgórski. “But even now—given the difficulty of both flying to the Moon and the conditions prevailing in its orbit and on its surface — we must recognize the commercial potential of this location and begin preparing so that in a few years we can be active participants in the growing lunar economy,” he concludes.
About Scanway:
Scanway S.A. is a Polish company that has been in business for 8 years. It is one of only a dozen or so companies worldwide to have developed a complete line of optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit. The company carries out key contracts—among the largest in Poland—for space equipment, including for commercial clients. It also operates STAR VIBE, Poland’s longest-operating optical observation satellite.
Scanway S.A. specializes in the optical processing chain, which includes: the acquisition, processing, and analysis of image data, as well as the prediction of events based on that data. In the Space business segment, the company provides both hardware solutions (optical instruments, such as telescopes and cameras) and imaging analytics. In the Industry segment, it offers solutions (products) based on image data processing, including complete quality control systems. The Company’s expertise and experience in both fields are complementary and create synergies. The company strives to provide its customers with full access to key optical data, which today is driving the development of the global space industry to the greatest extent.
Scanway’s optical solutions were featured in the most important European and Polish space missions of 2024. It was the only Polish company to include its equipment (the Scanway Camera System) on the maiden flight of Europe’s largest launch vehicle—Ariane 6. The company also supplied a key component—Poland’s largest-ever telescope, weighing approximately 10 kg (SOP200)—for EagleEye, the largest satellite Poland has ever launched into space.
The company has completed over 40 quality control implementations in the industrial sector. As a technology partner for the sector’s largest manufacturers, it develops proprietary software solutions using AI and advanced applications for Industry 4.0.
In October 2023, the Company made its debut on the NewConnect market. It has fully achieved the goals announced in its initial public offering and is currently preparing to move to the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. For more information:
https://scanway.pl/ and https://scanway.space/
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