NASA unveils next steps for permanent Moon base, including landers and buggies

NASA has unveiled a multi-phase strategy to establish a permanent human presence at the Moon's South Pole as part of its Artemis program. This ambitious plan outlines three distinct stages, beginning with robotic missions and data gathering by 2029, followed by the development of initial operational capabilities and semi-permanent infrastructure between 2029 and 2032. The final phase, commencing in 2032, aims to achieve a sustained human presence on the lunar surface.

Integral to these "next steps" are advanced robotic and roving technologies. NASA plans to deploy small, autonomous "MoonFall" hopping drones to scout and map the challenging terrain of the lunar South Pole, with the first missions anticipated to launch in 2028. Additionally, contracts have been awarded to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost for the development of Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs), which are robust, autonomous rovers designed to transport astronauts and cargo, with an operational target of 2028. These vehicles, alongside landers like Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1, will lay the groundwork for a sprawling lunar outpost capable of supporting long-duration human missions and future deep-space exploration.