One of the main objectives of NASA’s Artemis lunar missions is the construction of a permanent base near the southern region of the Moon, farther south than any area previously reached by astronauts during the Apollo program missions.
Following the initial release of details in March, NASA officials have now presented new updates regarding the project’s progress and the next steps toward realizing the vision of a long-term lunar base.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the agency will “reuse” lessons from its 1960s mission playbook in its effort to return to the Moon — and this time, remain there permanently, according to Sky News.
He added that the agency would “determine what works and what doesn’t,” describing the Moon as being “as beautiful as it is hostile.”
“In sunlight, the lunar surface can heat up to more than 250°C. In darkness, temperatures can drop far below -200°C,” Isaacman explained.
He also noted that permanently shadowed craters contain areas of significant scientific interest that have remained untouched by sunlight for millions — and even billions — of years. In some of those locations, temperatures may fall below -400°C.
“There is no atmosphere to moderate these extremes, no protection from radiation or solar particle events, and the surface remains exposed to meteorite impacts, including the kind of flashes of light observed by the Artemis II crew from orbit,” Isaacman said.
