Washington, May 27: The American space agency NASA has taken a significant step towards establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The agency has revealed detailed plans to deploy autonomous lunar drones, robotic rovers, and a robust communication network in the Moon’s southern polar region.
During a briefing at NASA headquarters regarding the Moon Base program, officials stated that the goal is not just to land on the Moon but to create a permanent operational format there. This initiative will serve as a foundation for future Artemis missions, scientific exploration, and Mars missions.
A key component of this strategy is the Moonfall Drone Mission. This drone will explore the Moon’s mysterious areas, search for water ice, and prepare safe landing sites for future astronauts. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for building these drones, while Firefly Aerospace has been tasked with creating the carrier vehicle. The mission is targeted for launch in 2028.
These drones will gradually move across the lunar surface, specifically investigating deep craters in the southern polar region where sunlight never reaches. They will capture high-resolution images, create maps with centimeter-level accuracy, and test new technologies capable of operating in the Moon’s extremely cold temperatures.
Carlos Garcia Golan, executive of the Moon Base program, stated, “These drones will help us explore the Moon’s deep areas and understand the actual conditions there.”
According to NASA, the future Moon base will not resemble a small station but will be akin to a city spanning hundreds of square miles. Living quarters will be constructed on high peaks to receive sunlight, while nuclear power systems will be located several kilometers away for safety reasons.
Architect Nujod Merency explained, “As construction progresses, it will gradually take the shape of an expansive city.”
The agency is also developing a strong communication and navigation network around the Moon. This will include a constellation of satellites that will continuously support robotic and human missions.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described this as part of a significant shift in space exploration. He emphasized that NASA is conducting such missions with full efficiency and clear objectives.
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