The major question about private exploration is whether it's feasible, considering the huge price tag for NASA's Apollo Project. LunaCorp has identified four major factors that will make a return to the Moon affordable:
Modern electronics
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These reduce the weight and cost of computers, communications gear, and now allow solid-state devices such as laser ring gyroscopes to replace mechanical equipment.
Shuttle external tanks
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Converting empty Space Shuttle external tanks into low-cost habitats in orbit and on the Moon makes use of a "free" space resource.
SSTO rockets
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Singe-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) rockets will cut launch costs to less than 10% of today's levels.
Multiple new markets
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Instead of asking taxpayers to foot the entire bill for space exploration, new ventures will sell exploration to multiple new markets.
