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. Компанія Ілона Маска SpaceX має контракт на будівництво цього корабля під назвою Starship Human Landing System, але проєкт наразі серйозно відстає від початкового графіка.
Незважаючи на перешкоди, США планують повернути своїх астронавтів на Місяць до 2029 року — закінчення каденції Дональда Трампа, а вже до 2032 року створити там постійне поселення.
Source: https://www.ukrinform.ua