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Beyond its proximity, the Moon is rich in valuable materials that could be crucial for building infrastructure. The lunar regolith contains approximately 45% oxygen, which can be extracted for breathing and rocket fuel. Additionally, the Moon has a variety of other resources including silicon (ideal for solar panels and electronics), iron for construction, and aluminum to create lightweight structures.
There’s even water ice at the Moon's poles, which can be melted and used for drinking, oxygen production, or fuel. Helium-3—an isotope that could potentially be used in future fusion reactors—also makes the Moon appear as an attractive long-term investment in energy resources.