NASA Plans to Build a Permanent Human Presence on the Moon

Topic: Space

NASA has chosen three companies to send four new missions to the Moon in late 2028. The missions will deliver scientific instruments and help establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface.

NASA has selected Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines to carry out four new Moon missions in late 2028. These missions are part of NASA's growing Moon Base Program, which aims to create the first long-term outpost on another world.

The contracts total almost $600 million across the three companies. Astrobotic received $297.9 million to complete two deliveries, while Firefly Aerospace was awarded $144.2 million and Intuitive Machines received $148.3 million for one mission each.

Each company will fly upgraded versions of landers that have already been used on previous missions. This will allow NASA to increase the pace of lunar exploration. The agency also announced several additional opportunities for US industry to contribute to future Moon Base infrastructure.

Why It Matters

Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon can help us learn more about space and potentially lead to new technologies and resources that can benefit India's growing space program.

Key Facts

• NASA has selected three companies to send four new missions to the Moon in late 2028.
• The contracts total almost $600 million across the three companies.
• Each company will fly upgraded versions of landers that have already been used on previous missions.
• NASA's growing Moon Base Program aims to create the first long-term outpost on another world.
• The agency also announced several additional opportunities for US industry to contribute to future Moon Base infrastructure.

Key Terms

CLPS

Commercial Lunar Payload Services, a key transportation system for the Moon Base

PROMISE

Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration, a hybrid engineering development version of the Mars Perseverance and Curiosity rovers

Implications

Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon can help us learn more about space and potentially lead to new technologies and resources that can benefit India's growing space program.