Debate Night: The Moon

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface in 1969, the moon became the ultimate prize of the Cold War space race. For decades after Apollo, however, it was largely left as a symbolic frontier, admired from afar but not pursued in earnest. That is now changing. With China, the United States, India, and private companies all setting their sights on lunar missions, the moon is once again emerging as a geopolitical battleground. Unlike the first space race, though, today’s ambitions go beyond flags and footprints — they focus on permanence, resources, and long-term strategy.

The moon is increasingly seen not only as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration, but also as a storehouse of valuable resources. Most prominently discussed is Helium-3, a rare isotope that some see as a potential fuel for future nuclear fusion, along with deposits of rare earth elements and frozen water hidden in lunar craters. These discoveries raise profound questions: who should decide how the moon is used, and on what terms? As we inch closer to the first permanent lunar stations, these questions move from the realm of science fiction into urgent political and ethical debate.

This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two.

Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience.