Village on the moon by 2030

The idea of a village on the moon may refer to science fiction, but could become a reality by 2030, supports the head of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Jan Werner has outlined his vision, replacing the International Space Station (ISS) with a lunar village, with buildings made by robots and printers three-dimensional printing using moon dust for building material.
“Today, I consider the lunar village as the ideal heir to the ISS for exploration (space),” said Werner in a Press conference in Paris.
Werner, who took over head of ESA last July has been set as a key objective the organization of a mission to the moon, as well as claims that this is the key step that would allow people to be able to travel to Mars.
In the construction of the village could be involved many organizations and countries – such as the ESA, NASA, Russia and China – providing ideas, technology and astronauts who will prepare a mission to Mars and will continue the scientific experiments that today are made in the ISS.
“If someone has a better idea, that’s fine… But until now there is not a competitive proposal on the table,” continued Werner.
In 2014 the USA had announced that they want to maintain in operation of the ISS until 2024, instead of 2020. However, Russia is considering the possibility of to go it alone and build its own station, while a number of european countries, members of the ESA, pose the question if it’s worth it to pay the cost of the four-year life extension of the ISS.
“I’ll take the time to explain to the member states the value of the space station, and that the ESA should continue” to participate in this program, said Werner. “The value of the space station for me is indisputable,” he concluded.