NASA talked about the next steps in the implementation of the Ignition Moon Base program.
According to management experts, such a base will enable the US to conduct scientific experiments, potentially extract valuable resources and facilitate future missions to Mars.
The Ignition Moon Base program consists of three phases. Before landing humans on the moon, the administration plans to send robotic landing modules and drones for research
and mapping the complex topography of the Earth's satellite. The use of vehicles is also envisaged, which will be able to transport astronauts across the surface of the Moon and deliver communications and scientific equipment. 26 May 2026 year NASA reported, that contracts for the creation of such devices were received by Blue Origin, Intuitive Machines та Astrobotic.
The next stage involves the construction of solar and nuclear power plants on the moon, in particular, fission reactors. The previously delivered lunar rovers should provide astronauts with the ability to cover long distances across the rocky surface of the satellite. Of particular interest for management is the south pole of a natural satellite, where frozen water reserves can be used for drinking or oxygen production.
At the same time it is noted, that the implementation of NASA's plans will depend on the readiness of the spacecraft, capable of safely transporting people to the moon. Elon Musk's company SpaceX has a contract to build this ship called the Starship Human Landing System, but the project is currently seriously behind schedule.
Despite the obstacles, The US plans to return its astronauts to the moon by 2029 year — the end of Donald Trump's term, and already to 2032 year to create a permanent settlement there.
Source: https://www.ukrinform.ua