As humanity's lunar ambitions accelerate, a pressing new question has emerged: where do we put all the junk? Scientists are now proposing an elegant solution, suggesting a specific crater on the Moon's far side should be formally designated as a dedicated graveyard for defunct spacecraft.
A Lunar 'Point Nemo' for Retired Spacecraft
The proposal, detailed in a recent scientific paper, draws direct inspiration from Earth's own spacecraft cemetery. On our planet, the remote oceanic pole of inaccessibility, known as Point Nemo, serves as a controlled re-entry zone for decommissioned satellites and space stations like Mir. Researchers argue the Moon needs its own equivalent.
The favoured location is the Jules Verne crater, a vast 143-kilometre-wide basin situated on the lunar far side. This site is considered ideal for several key reasons. Its position permanently shields it from view of Earth, preserving the pristine visibility of our night sky. More importantly, its geology is of lower scientific priority compared to other regions, making it a less disruptive choice for a repository of human-made debris.
"We are at a pivotal moment," the paper's authors state, highlighting that with numerous lunar missions planned by agencies like NASA, ESA, and commercial entities, the issue of end-of-life disposal must be addressed proactively. Uncontrolled crashes risk contaminating scientifically vital areas, such as the permanently shadowed craters at the poles which may harbour water ice.
Preserving Science and Heritage on the Moon
The initiative is not merely about waste management; it's a framework for responsible lunar exploration. By guiding spent landers, rovers, and other hardware to a single, agreed-upon site, the international scientific community can protect areas of high research value. The plan also seeks to safeguard historical sites, like the Apollo landing zones, which are considered invaluable human heritage.
The concept extends beyond just discarding trash. The Jules Verne site could also serve as a protected museum of early 21st-century space technology. Future lunar visitors might one day tour the graveyard to see the retired hardware that paved the way for a sustained human presence. The proposal has been submitted to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the body responsible for celestial nomenclature, for official recognition.
This move comes as space law and lunar policy are evolving rapidly. While the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits national appropriation, it says little about pollution control. A designated graveyard would represent a significant, voluntary step towards sustainable practices beyond Earth, setting a precedent for future activity on Mars and other celestial bodies.
The Urgent Need for Off-World Sustainability
Experts warn that without such coordinated action, the Moon could face the same clutter problems now plaguing Earth's orbit. The lunar surface already hosts over 100 tonnes of human-made material, from old orbiters to crashed probes. With the Artemis programme and other ventures aiming for a permanent lunar foothold, that figure is set to skyrocket.
Designating the Jules Verne crater as a lunar Point Nemo is seen as a critical test of global cooperation in space. It requires mission planners worldwide to adopt new protocols and potentially sacrifice a small amount of fuel for a controlled descent to the designated zone. The payoff, however, is a cleaner, more scientifically viable Moon for generations to come.
The proposal underscores a growing realisation: sustainability is no longer just an Earth-bound concern. As we become an interplanetary species, managing our footprint on other worlds is the hallmark of a responsible spacefaring civilisation.
