Lunar Development Conference 2026
Building our Future on the Moon
July 17–18, 2026 | Virtual
+ Add to Google CalendarThe premier platform for scientists, engineers, and visionaries to synchronize NASA's Artemis mission goals with the technical depth of the Moon Society. We are shifting the global conversation from exploration to Permanent Lunar Habitation.
Mission Briefing
Watch our conference overview and see what LDC 2026 is all about.
Check our YouTube channel to see our past conferences: youtube.com/themoonsociety
It is free for the speakers and members.
The Moon Society
For the Settlement of the Moon
The Moon Society is a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to the permanent settlement of the Moon. We advocate for a robust lunar economy and the use of lunar resources to support humanity's future in space.
The Lunar Development Conference is The Moon Society's annual conference series bringing together the global community working toward a permanent human presence on the Moon. LDC 2026 focuses on the surface and subsurface of the Moon, from geology and resource extraction to habitat design and human factors.
Global Call for Abstracts
Bridging Heritage & Innovation
We are officially inviting researchers, engineers, and visionaries to submit their work for the LDC 2026. This framework honors the "Deep Code" of Peter Kokh's Pioneer's Guide while accelerating modern engineering solutions for lunar settlement.
Track Alpha: Surface Infrastructure & ISRU
Focusing on In-Situ Resource Utilization, solar power grids, autonomous regolith construction, and landing pad stabilization.
Track Beta: Subsurface Settlement
Research into the structural integrity of lunar lava tubes, radiation shielding, Mare pit exploration, and thermal management for long-term subsurface bases.
Topics We Want to Hear About
Lunar Geology
Regolith characterization, mineralogy, volcanic history
ISRU
Resource extraction, water ice, oxygen production
Habitat Design
Surface structures, subsurface lava tubes, construction methods
Robotics & Automation
Autonomous construction, exploration systems, teleoperation
Human Factors
Space psychology, long-duration mission research, crew health
Power Systems
Energy generation, storage, and distribution on the lunar surface
Space Medicine
Physiological adaptation, radiation protection, medical support
Policy & Economics
Lunar governance, property rights, commercial development pathways
And anything else Moon-related. If it touches the lunar surface or subsurface, we want your abstract.
Submit Your Abstract
Use our online form to send your proposal to the LDC 2026 program team. Have the following ready:
- Full name and affiliation
- Presentation title
- Abstract (up to 300 words)
- Track preference
Questions? ldc@moonsociety.org
Pioneering the Future
Innovation & Global Outreach
As NASA and global partners prepare for a permanent return to the Moon, a critical gap remains in the professional expertise required for long-term habitation. The Moon Society is building new professional education pathways — led by Veronica Chiaravalli (VP, Partner, and Head of Outreach) — to develop the leadership, innovation, and operational readiness the next frontier demands.
Human-Robot Teaming
A modern, proprietary approach to synchronizing personnel with robotic assets through unique, integrated workflows.
Total Ecosystem Design
Original designs covering every necessity for survival and growth, including food systems, work structures, and survival protocols.
Leading in ICE Environments
Specialized leadership and innovation frameworks for remote teams operating in high-stakes environments — from the Arctic to deep space.
The Human Dimension
Architecting for mental well-being and long-term habitation through specialized entertainment and community structures.
The "Pioneering the Moon" Masterclass Series
A professional education initiative developed with Emerging Technologies Sweden, bridging the gap between current space-industry capabilities and the skills needed for the Artemis generation:
The Society Edition
A condensed, high-impact version available exclusively to Moon Society members to build global lunar literacy.
The Innovation Edition
The full professional Masterclass hosted at Emerging Technologies Sweden, incorporating the MultiplanetaryX Innovation Hub for advanced training in lunar settlement design.
Speaker Benefits
- Free registration for all accepted speakers and members
- Present to a global audience of space professionals
- Network with leading lunar experts
- Your presentation will be recorded and shared after the conference
- Featured in the official conference program
Strategic Leadership
Conference Co-Chairs
Veronica Chiaravalli
Vice President, The Moon Society · Founder & CEO, Emerging Technologies Sweden
A Civilizational Systems Pioneer whose work bridges human factors, AI strategy, and human–robot interaction for extreme environments, Veronica is a Certified Virtual Analog Astronaut (Habitat Marte) and contributing editor for Peter Kokh's A Pioneer's Guide to Living on Mars. She returns to LDC after presenting "MultiplanetaryX: Preparing Humans and AI for Lunar Leadership and Resilience" at LDC 2025, and serves additionally as Fractional CAIO of Space Renaissance International and a Board Member of the Lifeboat Foundation.
James Burk
Board Member, The Moon Society · Executive Director, The Mars Society
A founding Vice President of The Moon Society in 2000 and current Board Member, James organized the inaugural Lunar Development Conference in 2020 — the first in this series. He also serves as Executive Director of The Mars Society, leading the MarsVR digital-twin project and the 2020 Virtual Mars Convention (10,000+ attendees, 150+ speakers). A former Microsoft engineer and Mission Commander at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), he anchors LDC 2026's strategic direction with over two decades of operational and technical leadership across human spaceflight advocacy.
Together, the co-chairs are guiding LDC 2026 around three priorities
- NASA Alignment: Ensuring our research supports the Return to the Moon.
- Global Outreach: Inspiring the next generation of pioneers.
- Operational Excellence: Applying proven leadership and AI frameworks to the challenges of lunar settlement, accelerating progress while ensuring diversity and broad participation in humanity's next chapter.