The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Tuesday that it will launch three unmanned exploration missions to the Moon within this year. This initiative is seen as an initial step towards exploring the Moon’s south pole, collecting scientific data, and ultimately establishing a permanent base on the lunar surface.
According to NBC News, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman clarified at a press conference that they’re not immediately aiming to build a glass dome-shaped lunar base. Instead, they’re taking a phased approach to inform the industry about the demand for landers, rovers, technology demonstrations, and all scientific equipment that can be incorporated into these missions.
He explained that these missions have been designated as Moon Base 1, 2, and 3 and will all be carried out using robotic probes. The first mission is set to launch after this fall, with Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin taking a leading role in transporting scientific and technological payloads to the Moon. NASA emphasized that Moon Base 1 will mark the first-ever lunar landing mission funded entirely by private investment.
For the second mission, a lander manufactured by the American company Astrobotic will transport over 992 lbs of cargo and a lunar exploration rover. The third mission will focus on scientific exploration of a uniquely bright terrain on the Moon known as Luna Swirl, and will also carry payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, showcasing international collaboration.
As part of its Phase 1 plan, which extends until 2029, NASA intends to conduct a total of 25 launches and 21 landings, delivering approximately 4 tons of cargo to the lunar surface. Following this, from 2029 to 2032, NASA aims to establish semi-permanent facilities to enable initial habitation, with the ultimate goal of establishing continuous human activity on the lunar surface after 2032.
This plan runs parallel to the Artemis program, which focuses on crewed lunar landings. Last month, the Artemis II mission completed a 10-day orbit around Earth and the Moon with four astronauts on board. This marked NASA’s first attempt at a lunar landing mission in over five decades. NASA plans to land astronauts on the Moon through the Artemis III mission in 2027, followed by the Artemis IV mission in 2028.