Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who flew around the Moon on the Artemis II mission in April, has become an adviser and ambassador for Moon World Resorts, a Canadian company proposing a large lunar-themed development. Its plans include a giant sphere containing a recreation of the lunar surface, alongside residential, tourism and educational facilities. The company says the replica would be the largest of its kind in the world.
Hansen will advise on the lunar surface and base experience, astronaut training facilities, space-sector partnerships and visitor experiences. He described the proposal as ambitious on the scale of a space program and said it could give visitors the chance to live, work and spend leisure time beside a vast representation of the Moon. The company says the simulated surface could also be used to test new technologies.
The project’s founders, president Sandra Matthews and chief executive Michael Henderson, describe it as a “smart city” concept. Their current plans call for 12,000 luxury homes in 24 towers, as well as hotels, shopping centers, parks and universities. The proposed development would also include a convention center, concert venues and other facilities. The estimated construction cost is about $5 billion, according to Matthews.
Madrid is among the locations being considered for the development, and the company plans to establish an office there to present the project to potential investors. Sevilla, Valencia and Barcelona are also under consideration. The promoters say discussions so far have been exploratory, with no confirmed investor and no meetings with Spain’s national or regional governments to present the proposal.
Moon World Resorts aims to complete its design before licensing the project to a single client, such as a major construction company or sovereign wealth fund, which would finance and build it. The company estimates that the first development could take around five years to construct after a license is awarded. It has also suggested that the concept could eventually be developed in up to 10 locations worldwide.
The proposal has been pursued in different forms and locations since its founders launched it in 2000. Earlier possibilities included Las Vegas, the Bahamas, California and the United Arab Emirates. Madrid is now among the options, but the company has yet to secure an investor or select a final site. Hansen said he supports the project in a personal capacity and will be paid for his work, but did not disclose the amount.
Sources: El País Ciencia.