NASA has awarded nearly $600 million in new contracts to accelerate development of what officials say could become humanity’s first permanent outpost on another world.
Lunar Missions
The contracts — awarded to Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines — will fund four robotic missions to the moon that could start to launch before the end of the year, with a majority taking place in 2028.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is following a proven approach by conducting frequent missions that build experience over time. The robotic landers will gather critical data needed to support future human exploration.
The missions are part of NASA’s long-term strategy to establish sustained operations near the moon’s south pole before astronauts return to live and work there.
Future Plans
NASA also announced it is reviewing plans for PROMISE, a nuclear-powered rover designed to operate during the moon’s frigid lunar night and inside permanently shadowed craters where scientists believe water ice may exist.
The agency plans to announce additional opportunities later this year for power systems, communications networks and other technology demonstrations as development of lunar infrastructure continues.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
