What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
While most folks around here are thinking about lake levels and ice-out dates, a group gathered at Minocqua Public Library this week to look a bit further up — way further up, actually.
Bob Krueger, Vice President of the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy, led a presentation on lunar colonization that drew curious residents on Monday. With a Master’s Degree in Space Studies under his belt, Krueger made the case that establishing a permanent moon base isn’t just science fiction anymore.
It’s the kind of forward-thinking conversation you might not expect in a town of 4,200, but that’s exactly what makes the Northwoods special.
Krueger zeroed in on something called helium-3, a lunar resource that doesn’t exist in meaningful quantities here on Earth. This isotope could power civilization for thousands of years using just small quantities — potentially replacing our dependence on fossil fuels entirely.
“There’s helium-3 which is available on the moon, which is not available here on Earth,” Krueger explained to attendees.
The technology to harness it is still developing. Nuclear propulsion and advanced power systems are finally catching up to what scientists have theorized for decades.
For a region that knows the value of natural resources — from timber to tourism — the idea of tapping into extraterrestrial materials carries a certain practical appeal.
Beyond energy, the moon holds another critical resource: water ice, particularly concentrated at the polar regions.
NASA and other space agencies see this as a game-changer for logistics. Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen, creating rocket fuel right there in space instead of hauling everything from Earth’s surface.
“We could take that water and make products, like hydrogen and oxygen and possibly use those in orbit around the Earth to supply satellites and oxygen to space stations,” Krueger noted.
The moon’s weaker gravity and orbital velocity make it an ideal launching point for missions to Mars — far more efficient than blasting off from Earth every time.
That efficiency matters when you’re trying to establish a sustainable presence beyond our home planet.
There’s something fitting about space education thriving in the Northwoods. Step outside on a clear night up here, and you’ll see why.
With minimal light pollution compared to urban areas, our region offers some of the clearest views of the night sky in Wisconsin. That natural advantage has fostered organizations like the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy, which regularly partners with Minocqua Public Library on educational programs.
The library has become a hub for STEM learning:
It’s the kind of programming that keeps minds engaged year-round, not just during the summer tourism rush.
Krueger outlined NASA’s current roadmap for establishing a lunar presence. The Artemis Program represents humanity’s return to the moon, but this time we’re planning to stay.
According to the timeline Krueger shared, small-scale operations should begin by 2028. From there, missions will expand progressively through Artemis IV and beyond.
“You’re talking about 2035, where Artemis X is going to set up an ever-present Moonbase,” Krueger explained.
That’s just over a decade away. Kids in Northwoods elementary schools today could be applying for jobs in lunar industries before they hit middle age.
Events like Monday’s presentation do more than satisfy curiosity about space. They plant seeds for future careers in fields that barely existed when today’s parents were in school.
The Northwoods has always adapted to economic shifts — from logging to tourism to remote work. Space industry development represents another frontier, one where rural areas with strong STEM education could find unexpected opportunities.
Whether through remote positions with aerospace companies or educational roles inspiring the next generation of engineers, the connections between small-town Wisconsin and the final frontier are more real than you’d think.
Check the Minocqua Public Library calendar for upcoming programs. On a clear Northwoods night, take a moment to look up — that moon overhead might just be humanity’s next home.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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