As humanity prepares to return to the Moon, a new space economy is quietly taking shape; one driven by data, precision, and long-term vision. At the centre of this shift is Lunar Exploration Ltd., Malta-based company backed by Monaco residents, building the geospatial intelligence layer required to plan, operate, and scale lunar missions.
Long-term Monaco resident Zsolt Szemerszky, CEO of Lunar Exploration, sat down with us to discuss why mapping the Moon matters now, the strategic importance of Helium-3 –often described as the holy grail of future energy– and how governments and private space companies will increasingly rely on mission-planning intelligence in the years ahead.
Zsolt is well known within the local community as the founder of Living in Monaco magazine, which he established in the summer of 2012 as a unique community publication. He is also the owner of several other businesses, many of which aim to create meaningful social impact.
In addition, he initiated and produced three consecutive editions of the ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space & Sustainability Conference, with a strong focus on education and the next generation. Through this initiative, more than 850 students from the Principality had the opportunity to meet astronauts and cosmonauts from France, Italy, and the United States, while also learning about sustainable technologies capable of positively shaping our future.
Zsolt, why is the Moon suddenly back at the centre of global attention?
“Because the Moon is no longer symbolic, it’s strategic. After decades focused on low-Earth orbit activity, we are entering a phase where cislunar space becomes the next operational frontier.
NASA is returning to the Moon with long-duration objectives, not just flags and footprints. At the same time, private actors like Blue Origin, backed by Jeff Bezos, are investing heavily in lunar landers and infrastructure.
This convergence means one thing: the Moon is becoming a place where operations, logistics, and resources truly matter. And none of that is possible without reliable geospatial intelligence.”
What exactly does Lunar Exploration do?
“We are building the mission-planning and geospatial intelligence layer for the Moon. Think of it as the equivalent of Google Maps, but for lunar operations.
Alongside this, we place a strong focus on identifying mineral resources and potential new energy sources.
Our platform integrates existing orbital data with advanced analytics to help governments, space agencies, and private companies answer very practical questions:
Where is it safe to land?
Where are the resources?
How do you plan surface operations in extreme environments?
How do you reduce mission risk and cost?
As lunar traffic increases, this intelligence layer becomes essential. You simply cannot coordinate landers, rovers, habitats, and future commercial activity without a shared, accurate, and decision-ready map of the Moon.”
Helium-3 often comes up in discussions about the lunar economy. Why is it so important?
“Helium-3 is one of the Moon’s most compelling long-term strategic assets. It is a rare isotope on Earth but is present in higher concentrations in the lunar regolith, deposited by solar winds over billions of years.
Its importance lies in the future of fusion energy. Helium-3 has the potential to enable cleaner, safer fusion with significantly less radioactive waste than current approaches. While this is not a short-term revenue story, it represents a powerful long-term geopolitical and energy narrative.
Mapping where Helium-3 is likely to be concentrated and understanding the terrain, extraction feasibility, and logistical challenges involved is precisely where geospatial intelligence becomes critical. Before anyone can extract anything, they must first understand the Moon at a granular, operational level.”
With NASA and private companies already active, why would they need your mapping platform?
“Because raw data is not the same as actionable intelligence. Space agencies and private companies already possess enormous volumes of lunar imagery.
What they increasingly need is decision-ready information: integrated maps that combine terrain, illumination, slope, hazards, thermal conditions, and resource indicators, presented in a way that directly supports mission planning.
As lunar missions evolve from isolated experiments to coordinated operations, everyone, from government agencies to private lander companies will need a common operational picture. That is exactly where our platform sits: between data and execution.”
How does Monaco fit into this vision, and why has this opportunity attracted Monaco-based investors?
“Monaco understands the value of strategic foresight. The Principality has long positioned itself at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and global leadership, whether in finance, the environment, or now space.
Lunar Exploration reflects that mindset. We are not building hardware for spectacle; we are building the invisible infrastructure that enables others to operate responsibly and efficiently. It’s a long-term play aligned with how Monaco thinks: discreet, forward-looking, and globally relevant.”
How does this opportunity connect with your background and Living in Monaco magazine?
“Living in Monaco was born as a passion project, driven by my desire to connect with the local community and highlight the people who shape life in the Principality. However, my original education was as a software architect and analyst. Before relocating to Monaco, I worked at IBM Europe, where I was among the leading software engineers and system architects, developing mission-critical, large-scale systems for governments and multinational corporations.
This background gave me a strong understanding of how to lead complex organisations, deliver financially sustainable projects, and address high-level engineering challenges. In that sense, Lunar Exploration represents a return to my roots; building a sophisticated geospatial intelligence layer that sits at the intersection of technology, strategy, and long-term vision.
Equally important are the industry relationships and experience I bring to the project. These resources are valuable assets for the company, alongside the exceptional group of advisors, aerospace engineers, and professionals supporting us, many of whom have worked on NASA-related projects. Together, this combination of technical depth, strategic leadership, and trusted expertise forms the foundation of Lunar Exploration.”
Fascination
Where does your fascination with the Moon come from?
“Since childhood, I have been deeply fascinated by the Earthrise photograph taken by William Anders. It was the first colour image of Earth captured by a human from the Moon. As I grew older, I began to understand the deeper meaning behind that image.”
In December 1968, William Anders flew aboard Apollo 8, the first mission to carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit and the first crewed flight to reach and orbit the Moon. During the spacecraft’s fourth pass around the lunar surface, the crew witnessed an extraordinary sight for the first time in human history: the Earth rising above the Moon’s horizon.Reflecting on that moment, Anders famously said: “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth.”
Over time, the Earthrise photograph gained iconic status. Anders later reflected on its profound impact, noting how it helped humanity realise the fragility of our planet and the responsibility to care for it. He spoke of the contrast between the beauty of our only home and the conflicts that threaten it; from war and nuclear risk to division and fear.
“I believe that looking back at our planet from that vantage point reminds us that we are united, that we share one home together, a place we must protect and care for. This is something I have always admired about the Principality, where our Prince, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, stands as a committed ambassador for sustainability and for the protection of our oceans and our planet.
Personally, I am afraid of heights, and a tiny rocket capsule is certainly not something that appeals to me either,” he adds with a smile. “But I would absolutely take that journey to go to the Moon, sit down, and simply take in that mesmerising view as our planet rises quietly in the background.”
Was the Moon landing fake?
Long before humans ever set foot on the Moon, it already existed vividly in our imagination.
A Trip to the Moon (Le voyage dans la lune), the 1902 French science-fiction film written, directed, and produced by Georges Méliès, is one of the earliest and most influential examples. Inspired by Jules Verne’s novels From the Earth to the Moon (1865) and Around the Moon (1870), the film depicts astronomers traveling to the Moon in a cannon-propelled capsule, encountering lunar inhabitants, and triumphantly returning to Earth.
Rediscovered around 1930 after years of obscurity, A Trip to the Moon became celebrated as a landmark of cinematic imagination. Combining spectacle, fantasy, and technical wizardry, it shaped how generations visualised space travel and was later ranked among the greatest films of the 20th century.
And perhaps that is where the confusion begins.
When it comes to science fiction, the Moon has always been fertile ground for storytelling. Artists, writers, and filmmakers have used it as a canvas for dreams, fears, and technological optimism. Yet when imagination eventually gave way to reality, doubt followed.
Many people believe the Moon landing was staged. What do you think?
“Is Elvis alive?” – laughs Zsolt. – “The idea persists largely because it was such an extraordinary and dramatic achievement. On 20 July 1969, humanity did something that had never been done before: it landed on the Moon.”
The United States’ Apollo 11 was the first crewed mission to land on the Moon. Launched atop the powerful Saturn V rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on 16 July 1969, Apollo 11 carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on a journey that would redefine human history.
The mission’s primary objective was simple yet daunting: to land safely on the lunar surface and return home. Precision landing was secondary to survival. The lunar module touched down on the Moon shortly after 20:17:40 UTC on 20 July 1969.
“Science fiction taught us how to dream about the Moon. Apollo proved that humanity could actually reach it. Doubting human capability is, in many ways, easier than confronting its potential. Yet history shows that progress often begins where imagination ends,” – says Zsolt.
During the final descent, Armstrong and Aldrin believed they had approximately 40 seconds of fuel remaining, including the mandatory reserve required in case of an abort. Armstrong’s heart rate reportedly climbed to between 100 and 150 beats per minute, underscoring the intensity of those final moments.
At 10:56 p.m. ET, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface and delivered the words that would echo through history: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Nineteen minutes later, Buzz Aldrin joined him, becoming the second human to walk on the Moon. Together, they carried out scientific experiments, assessed mobility in lunar gravity, and collected samples.
Armstrong unveiled a commemorative plaque, and with Aldrin planted the United States flag. Before departing, they also left a small memorial package honoring fallen Soviet cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and Vladimir Komarov, as well as Apollo 1 astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee; a quiet gesture of respect that transcended Cold War rivalry.
“It is also important to understand that this was not a one-off event,” – Zsolt adds. – “Between 1969 and 1972, six Apollo missions successfully landed humans on the Moon.”
Between those years, the United States conducted six crewed lunar landings, along with numerous uncrewed missions. No soft lunar landings occurred between 1976 and 2013, until renewed global interest in lunar exploration.
To date, the United States remains the only nation to have conducted crewed missions to the Moon, with the last astronauts leaving the lunar surface in December 1972. All early landings occurred on the Moon’s near side, until Chang’e 4 achieved the first-ever landing on the far side in January 2019.
In 2017, Artemis program was announced by NASA, marking humanity’s return to the Moon. Artemis aims to establish a sustainable human and robotic presence on the lunar surface, advance new technologies, and prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.
The program will land the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international partner astronaut on the Moon, in collaboration with commercial and global partners.
Lunar Exploration Ltd is closely aligned with the Artemis vision. By developing high-resolution lunar digital twins, advanced surface maps, and real-time mission-support technologies, the company seeks to provide essential geospatial infrastructure and operational insight for the emerging lunar economy, helping turn humanity’s next giant leap into a sustainable future.
What do you think is the most convincing proof of the Moon landing?
“Definitely the mirrors left on the Moon. These devices, known as retroreflector arrays, are designed so that any laser beam directed at them is reflected straight back to its source.
Scientifically speaking, by measuring the round-trip travel time of a laser pulse, researchers can calculate the Earth–Moon distance with millimetre-level accuracy. This long-running experiment is known as Lunar Laser Ranging.
Crucially, any institution with the appropriate equipment –including universities and observatories in Europe, Asia, and Australia– can perform these measurements. NASA does not control the experiment.
The reflectors have been operating continuously for more than five decades, making them one of the strongest, simplest, and most independently verifiable pieces of evidence that humans really did land on the Moon.”
ELEVATE, the educational footprint in Monaco
Just as Neil Armstrong left his footprint on the Moon, Zsolt also left his positive footprint on the educational landscape of the Principality of Monaco. He successfully concluded the ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space and Sustainability Conference three times, marking an outstanding achievement by inspiring over 850 students from the Principality of Monaco.
“During the three-day event, we combined professional panels with inspirational speeches focused on the next generation. By welcoming astronauts and cosmonauts from Italy, France, and the U.S.A., the ELEVATE event provided a unique opportunity for local students to ask their most intriguing questions.”
The conference brought together key industry players, visionaries, and experts, creating an unparalleled platform for knowledge sharing, think-tank discussions, networking, and collaboration.
ELEVATE featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including astronauts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government officials, who highlighted the importance of sustainability in space exploration. The conference explored cutting-edge advancements, challenges, and opportunities in space exploration and technology.
Their thought-provoking presentations and discussions captivated the audience, shedding light on the latest breakthroughs and future directions of the space industry, with a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices.
“When selecting the speakers and panels, I truly wanted to focus on sustainability and eco-conscious space endeavours, showcasing that the technology already available today can make a real difference. And this is not limited to space travel; it is about addressing sustainable space exploration, emphasizing responsible resource utilization, waste management, and long-term environmental considerations both in outer space and here on Earth.”
Startups showcasing innovative and sustainable solutions took centre stage, with a focus on eco-friendly space technologies, renewable energy sources, and responsible materials for space missions.
ELEVATE also provided ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow professionals committed to sustainable space practices, fostering dialogue around eco-conscious approaches and green innovation.
“My goal was to inspire and encourage the next generation of space enthusiasts to prioritize ecological responsibility in their ambitions.”
ELEVATE reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability in the space industry, emphasizing the responsible use of space resources and the preservation of space environments for future generations.
Among many other panels and presentations, the conference introduced a pioneering mission aimed at clearing Earth’s orbit of debris, ensuring a safer celestial environment for future generations. It also showcased how humankind can now produce food without straining Earth’s resources through the concept of “Food Out of Thin Air.”
Alongside insights from former astronauts, space industry professionals, and those poised to become the next generation of space travellers, ELEVATE also featured interactive, sensory, and immersive experiences for attendees.
Guests were able to attend exclusive workshops, such as crafting a rocket capable of soaring 10 km into the sky, or indulge in astronaut ice cream for a unique cosmic culinary experience.
Every person on the planet, young and old alike, has wondered about our place in the universe. For the brave and curious, ELEVATE offered the chance to experience the sensation of weightlessness aboard the International Space Station through a fully immersive installation.
Because the experience was entirely immersive, attendees felt a sense of weightlessness similar to what astronauts experience. It featured realistic and intuitive navigation, guidance from Mission Control, and compelling, visceral, science-driven content.
ELEVATE also showcased a unique installation: a Mercedes-Benz and Moncler voyage.
Thanks to their long and successful brand histories, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler continue to push the boundaries of their respective luxury segments. By combining their expertise and innovative design approaches, these two pioneers reached new heights through this joint expedition.
At the heart of Mercedes-Benz lies a deep commitment to luxury and a pioneering spirit. Through its collaboration with Moncler, these core values were brought together in a unique project celebrating discovery and the fusion of two worlds.
The theme, “Art of Imagination,” served as an inspirational message to dream big and explore firsts: breaking new ground, putting the impossible within reach, and discovering without limits.The collaborative art piece, PROJECT MONDO G, marked Moncler’s first-ever automotive partnership. The car itself became a striking spectacle for arriving guests.
Commenting on the success of the second ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference, Zsolt Szemerszky, Founder of ELEVATE, stated:
“I was thrilled by the outstanding success of this conference, where sustainability took a central role. ELEVATE continues to lead the way in advancing the space industry while emphasizing environmentally responsible practices; especially now that I am deeply invested in new space technologies, as we develop a geospatial intelligence platform for the Moon.”
An opportunity to make a difference
What comes next for Lunar Exploration?
“The next phase is scaling partnerships with agencies, commercial lander operators, and research institutions while continuing to refine our lunar digital twin and mission-planning tools.
As NASA, Blue Origin, and others accelerate their lunar ambitions, the need for a neutral, reliable geospatial layer will only grow. The Moon will not be explored by one actor alone. It will be a shared environment and shared environments require shared intelligence.”
Do you still welcome Monaco residents to join this impact investment project?
“Yes, absolutely. We are always open to new investors. Monaco has an exceptional community of residents who are not only open-minded, but also capable of recognising meaningful, forward-looking investment opportunities.”
Do you have a wish you would like to share?
“I wish more people from Monaco would join us to leave a positive footprint and help build tools that can genuinely shape the future. To show that Monaco cares, and that with its unique concentration of social and intellectual capital, it can truly make a difference.”
Humanity is returning to the Moon not for a moment, but for a generation. Those who understand the terrain first, digitally, strategically, and responsibly, they will shape everything that follows. It is a wake up call, and an opportunity to build one’s legacy. At Lunar Exploration, Zsolt and his team’s role is simple but essential: to make the Moon understandable, navigable, and usable for the next era of human activity beyond Earth.
Discover more: https://lunexp.com/