ForumIAS LATEST
- Prelims Test Series (PTS) for Prelims 2027 starts 11th Oct. 2026 Click Here to know more →
- Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: A Textbook That Teaches You How to Think Ethically Click Here to Read More →
- 21 Sept. | Forum Residential Coaching (FRC) for UPSC preparation Click Here to know more →
- 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 10th Oct. Click Here to Read More →
News: NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base program during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru.
About Moon Base Program of NASA
- Moon Base Programme is part of NASA’s broader Artemis Programme, which seeks to build a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon’s South Pole.
- Aim: The program aims to learn how humans can live and work on the Moon and prepare for future exploration from the Moon to Mars.
- Key Features:
- The Moon Base program will be built step by step through robotic and human missions using a phased approach.
- Phase One (Now–2029): In this phase, robotic missions will explore the lunar South Pole, demonstrate new technologies, and gather knowledge needed for future development.
- This phase will also help identify suitable locations, improve mission capabilities, and reduce risks before astronauts arrive.
- Phase Two (2029–2032): It will deploy early power systems, cargo transportation, logistics, and communications to support long-term operations.
- Phase Three (2032 and Beyond): It will establish a permanent lunar outpost with habitats, power, communications, transportation, and other critical capabilities for extended human operations.
- Commercial and Global Participation: The program will combine government efforts, private innovation, and global collaboration.
About NASA’s Artemis Programme
- Artemis: It is a NASA-led Moon exploration programme.
- It established in 2017, to re-establish human presence on the Moon and support future Mars missions.
- Artemis I to Artemis IV:
- Artemis I: It was an uncrewed test mission in 2022 that successfully tested the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion in lunar orbit.
- Artemis II: It will conduct the first crewed test flight of SLS and Orion around the Moon.
- Artemis III: It will send humans to explore the region near the lunar South Pole.
- It is scheduled to make the first human landing on the Moon since the Apollo programme, probably by 2028.
- Artemis IV: It will introduce the first lunar space station and a more powerful SLS rocket.
