Astronomy & Space Science · Projected milestone
A lunar radio array grows from local materials
18% by 2080 · including earlier years
The year is an editorial timing estimate. The percentage applies to occurrence by the stated deadline. These estimates are not calibrated odds.
A lunar far-side radio array operates at least 1,000 dipoles across a baseline of five kilometres or more, with at least 80% of antenna-and-support mass made from lunar feedstock; within three years it increases its working antenna count by at least half using the same local manufacturing system and publishes calibrated astronomical data.
Explore this milestone on the interactive mapWhat the forecast means
Milestone stage: off world manufacturing demonstration
FarView is a funded concept study, not an operating locally manufactured lunar array.
Timing window: 2040–2080. An editorial range, not a statistical confidence interval.
Completion criteria: A lunar far-side radio array operates at least 1,000 dipoles across a baseline of five kilometres or more, with at least 80% of antenna-and-support mass made from lunar feedstock; within three years it increases its working antenna count by at least half using the same local manufacturing system and publishes calibrated astronomical data. Resolve only after inspectable dated observations and independent assessment meet every stated criterion; a simulation, announcement or prototype lacking these thresholds does not resolve the event.
This page describes a forecast, rather than an achieved result. Read the methodology and assumptions.
Built on
Led to
Sources & evidence
- FarView Observatory — A Large, In-Situ Manufactured, Lunar Far Side Radio Array 2023-04-06
NIAC studies a radio array manufactured from lunar resources. The study supplies a concept for local antenna fabrication, not an approved flight mission or an operating lunar factory.
Astra editorial synthesis; cited researchers retain credit for their work
Record reviewed 2026-10-18