WASHINGTON, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday unveiled its Moon Base initiative, outlining plans to establish a sustained human presence near the Moon's South Pole as part of its broader Artemis exploration program.
During a news conference at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NASA officials presented the agency's strategy and roadmap for developing lunar infrastructure to support long-term human exploration, scientific research and commercial activities on the Moon.
According to NASA, the Moon Base will be developed in three phases. The first phase, running through 2029, focuses on robotic exploration and technology demonstrations. The second phase, from 2029 to 2032, calls for deployment of early habitation systems, as well as power and communications infrastructure. The third phase, beginning after 2032, aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and advance technologies for utilizing lunar resources.
NASA said the lunar South Pole was selected as the target region due to its extended periods of sunlight, which are favorable for solar power generation and provide more stable thermal conditions for surface operations.
The region is also of high scientific interest, as it is located near some of the Moon's oldest terrain, part of the largest known impact basin in the solar system. Samples from the area could offer new insights into the early history of the Moon and Earth-Moon system, as well as the evolution of the solar system, according to NASA.
The agency said the Moon Base will serve as a hub for science, technology demonstrations, and exploration, advance technologies for future deep space missions, and foster an emerging lunar economy.
NASA said that commercial partners and international collaborators will play a key role in developing the Moon Base and related infrastructure. ■
