NASA awards nearly $600 million in lunar contracts to advance moon base plans
The contracts will fund four robotic missions that will study lunar dust, radiation and navigation as NASA prepares for sustained operations near the south pole.
- NASA awarded nearly $600 million in contracts to Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines for four robotic moon missions, with most launches occurring in 2028 to support sustained operations near the lunar south pole.
- Carlos Garcia-Galan, Moon Base executive, said robotic missions are essential for studying the lunar south pole before sending astronauts there. Scientists need critical data that existing knowledge cannot provide.
- Robotic landers will measure radiation, study lunar dust generated during landings, and establish permanent navigation markers. NASA is also reviewing plans for PROMISE, a nuclear-powered rover designed to operate during the frigid lunar night.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is increasing mission frequency to build experience over time. "We want to get back into a rhythm of this," Isaacman said, drawing on the "playbook of success from the 1960s."
- The agency plans to announce additional opportunities later this year for power systems and communications networks as lunar infrastructure development continues. The moon serves as a proving ground for the agency's ultimate goal of sending human missions to Mars.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Nasa unveils $600 million for new Lunar base missions for 2028: Inside the plan to build a lasting presence on the Moon
Science News: Nasa has taken another step towards building a permanent human presence on the Moon by awarding almost $600 million in fresh contracts for a new serie.
NASA has unveiled the strategy by which it will deliver lands, oaks, land vehicles and infrastructure components on the monthly surface, placing a massive stake on the private sector. At the heart of this strategy is a massive financial package, designed to ensure "space-era freight trains. NASA has announced the granting of approximately $590 million to three companies in the private aerospace industry - Astrobotic, Firefly and Intuitive Machin…
NASA's monthly base plans are beginning to materialise as the space agency develops a strategy to send landing modules, oaks, exploration vehicles and other equipment to the Moon's surface.
NASA has just allocated nearly $600 million to Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines for four lunar robotic missions by the end of 2028. These contracts are part of a strategy of acceleration towards a permanent lunar base — and in the preparation of future missions to Mars. What you will learn Which companies have [...]
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