Part 2 of the series looked at the SpaceX Starship effect, and the massive increase in payload capacity that is coming on stream. While it looked at potential numbers once things get into full swing, the numbers are still large even until then.
Here we look specifically at potential Moon missions and what payload they may need.
Regular Moon trips would require a steady stream of cargo, including scientific instruments, construction materials for lunar bases, and resupply missions for colonists.
While NASA's Artemis program is aiming for a sustained lunar presence, the current mission profile would only deliver around 40 tons per year to the Moon.
While this is small compared to Starship, it will not be the only moon mission. Several smaller rocket companies are also starting to operate various rideshare moon missions for non-human payload.
Other groups and nations also intend to put people on the Moon soon.
Even though Artemis is planning small, the use of HLS Starship as part of the program will certainly increase the amount of payload being taken due to its large capacity. Once underway, this will be fully used.
Additionally, a continuous Moon mission profile involving only SpaceX Starships could result in much larger payload delivery.
Using two Starships for a revolving cargo delivery would require around 200 tons of payload at a time. These deliveries may begin only monthly, but could easily pick up to weekly.
Daily deliveries could even be possible in a short time just by adding additional Starships - a real possibility as production rates increase.
And that's only the cargo deliveries. It doesn't take into account all the payload traveling with people as the transit back and forth on human-rated ships.
This is a lot compared to today's missions.
Regardless of the final Moon colonization plans - it still means a lot more payload will be needed than is currently produced.
Part 4 looks at what payload is needed for Mars missions.
