NASA aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon by creating a base near the lunar south pole. The agency plans to model its lunar operations on the International Space Station, focusing on sustained expeditions with rotating crews.
The first crewed landing under this initiative is scheduled for 2028 as part of the Artemis-4 mission. NASA head Jared Isaacman stated that the base will serve as a hub for ongoing research and future deep space exploration efforts.
To achieve these goals, NASA is collaborating with private partners to develop lunar landing systems. SpaceX and Blue Origin are currently working on these technologies, as the agency relies on commercial support for the logistics of lunar missions.
The program requires the development of robust infrastructure to support regular crew rotations and extended stays on the lunar surface. This shift marks a transition from short-term visits to permanent operations beyond Earth.
