Scientists' proposed 'economy class' method could make moon travel a bit less expensive

Scientists mapped a new Earth-to-Moon transfer route that passes through the L1 Lagrange point and near the Moon.

The path saves at least 58.80 m/s of fuel compared with earlier optimal routes, based on 30 million trajectory simulations.

Researchers say the route could also maintain continuous communication with both Earth and the Moon.

Lower fuel use could reduce launch costs, increase payload capacity, and make future lunar missions more practical.