Science & Tech · Space · 11 hrs ago
NASA and China plan long-term lunar bases as a new space race gathers pace
The United States and China are competing to return to the moon and establish bases there.
NASA’s plans include robotic landers, communication satellites, a nuclear power plant and equipment to search for water.
US astronaut missions to the lunar surface are currently planned to begin in 2028, first focusing on exploration and testing technology.
Longer-term plans envision habitats and research stations in the 2030s.
A moon base could support science, resource use and future missions to Mars and beyond.
But it would have to protect people from radiation, falling asteroids, sharp dust and extreme temperatures, while relying more on lunar resources to limit costs.
Robots would also need to build and maintain the base when people are not there.
The plans face major challenges, and the article does not specify a firm timeline for building a permanent base.
NASA is planning a long-term lunar base, while China has near-identical plans to build its own.
NASA’s initial astronaut missions to the moon are currently planned to start in 2028 and focus on exploration and technological experiments.
The US plan aims for long-term habitation and a network of research stations, resource facilities and landing pads in the 2030s.
The effort is fueled by national competition, but the moon is also seen as a place for scientific research and a stepping stone to farther space exploration.
Building a base would require systems to protect astronauts, use lunar resources and operate with help from autonomous robots.
- Who
- NASA and China are planning lunar bases.
- What
- The plans envision long-term human stays and supporting infrastructure on the moon.
- When
- NASA’s initial astronaut missions are currently planned to start in 2028, with long-term habitation envisioned in the 2030s.
- Where
- The moon.
- Why
- National competition is one driver; the moon also offers scientific opportunities and could help enable travel farther into the solar system.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
NASA’s currently planned initial astronaut missions to the lunar surface are expected to focus on exploration and technological experimentation.
NASA’s plan envisions long-term habitation quarters and a network of research stations, resource facilities and landing pads.
- NASA initial lunar astronaut missions
- Planned to start in 2028
- Long-term habitation
- Envisioned in the 2030s
- NASA base program manager
- Carlos García-Galán
- NASA’s stated scale for the effort
- Hundreds of square miles
- China’s lunar plans
- Near-identical plans to build its own moon base
What people are saying
It’s going to be an expanse
a fantastic place to explore the further universe
The moon is critical. It will be a stepping stone for going further—that means to Mars and beyond
It’s almost like starting civilization from scratch
Sources
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