The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

That night, Manuel meets with Dr. Chan, a Chinese member of the Credentials Committee of the Federated Nations. Dr. Chan asks Manuel how resources could be cheaply shipped from Earth to the Moon. Manuel explains that a catapult like that used on the Moon could be used on Earth. He describes how it would work and emphasizes that it would have to be built on a high mountain. The ice and snow around the site would have to be melted, but Manuel explains that the resulting water could be efficiently sent to the Moon via the catapult. A “space tug” could be used to ferry the shipping containers from the Lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon. Over the next few weeks, Manuel makes the same Earth-to-Moon catapult pitch to representatives from many countries. He makes it seem like the proposal is secret and being shared only with that nation.

Manuel and the Professor travel to North America as part of their tour. Manuel visits Salem, Massachusetts, where one of his ancestors was born. Meanwhile, the Professor pitches potential investors on projects they could undertake on the Moon. For instance, he talks to a Playboy hotel chain managing director about opening hotels on the Moon.