NASA is taking steps to avoid costly delays in its plan to build a $30 billion moon base. The space agency has awarded contracts to three companies – Astrobotic, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines – for four missions to deliver science instruments and other cargo to the moon.
Phased Plan
The contracts are part of the first phase of NASA’s plan to build a permanent lunar settlement where astronauts will live and work. This initial phase is expected to last through 2028 and cost about $10 billion.
NASA has also floated the possibility of repurposing a Mars rover, nicknamed Promise, for use on the moon. The agency is working to use robotic vehicles to build up infrastructure on the moon that can be used by future human explorers.
Future Phases
Phases 2 and 3 of the plan include building the first pressurized habitats on the moon and installing power generators. NASA hopes that astronauts will eventually live and work in semi-permanent settlements on the moon.
The space agency is facing competition from China, whose space program has made significant progress in recent years. Lawmakers have warned that China’s efforts could threaten the United States’ technological supremacy in space.
Despite the challenges, NASA is moving forward with its plans. The agency is working to avoid delays and ensure that its moon base project stays on track.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
