Home / Science / Moon Base Beckons: 2028 Missions Launch Next Era
Moon Base Beckons: 2028 Missions Launch Next Era
1 Jul
Summary
- Three companies awarded $600 million for lunar lander missions.
- Missions aim to establish a long-term human moon base.
- Landers will analyze lunar surface for future crewed missions.
NASA is preparing for a return to the moon with the establishment of a lunar outpost, a significant step in its Artemis program. Three commercial aerospace companies have been awarded contracts totaling approximately $600 million for new uncrewed lunar lander missions. These missions are slated for 2028 and are designed to lay the groundwork for a long-term human presence on the moon.
The new landers will be equipped with technology to analyze the lunar surface, assess radiation, and prepare for the demands of future crewed missions. This initiative is a critical component of establishing a moon base at the lunar south pole, which aims to support long-term astronaut habitation and research. The ultimate goal is to use the moon as a stepping stone for future human expeditions to Mars.
These upcoming missions follow earlier selections of companies for lunar lander and rover development. The Artemis program, which seeks to land humans on the moon for the first time since 1972, is progressing with phased missions. A key mission in 2027 will test critical systems, including spacesuit and docking capabilities, with commercial landers, paving the way for the first lunar landing under Artemis IV in 2028.
