Post by : Badri Ariffin

NASA, the U.S. space agency, has officially kicked off the initial phase of plans for a permanent Moon base, following the successful Artemis 2 lunar flyby mission just two months ago.

Contracts totaling hundreds of millions have been awarded to four American companies to help develop this ambitious lunar base, aimed at facilitating long-term human exploration and scientific activities on the Moon.

Blue Origin is tasked with delivering two cargo landers that will ferry crucial equipment and lunar vehicles to the Moon's surface. The targeted launch locations are near the Moon's south pole, a key site for future exploration.

Astrolab and Lunar Outpost will create the lunar terrain vehicles, designed to assist astronauts in navigating the surface and conducting research.

Firefly Aerospace, which successfully completed a Moon landing last year, will also contribute by deploying the first drones to the lunar landscape, intended for exploring challenging terrains and aiding future construction efforts.

All equipment is slated for deployment before the initial Artemis crew lands on the Moon, with that historic mission anticipated in 2028.

NASA's long-term vision includes commencing the second phase of the Moon base project in 2029, extending into the early 2030s, focused on erecting essential infrastructures like a lunar power grid.

By the 2030s, the fully operational lunar base will be equipped with specialized habitats, allowing astronauts to live on the Moon for extended periods, paving the way for a sustained human presence beyond Earth.

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