The Companies Behind NASA’s Ambitious Plan For Human Settlements On The Moon
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NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence near the Moon's south pole. It began with Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight in 2022. The Artemis II is expected to launch in September 2025. This crewed mission will orbit the Moon to test the spacecraft's capabilities. If all goes well, Artemis III, set for 2026, will land the first humans on the Moon since the 1970s.
In past missions, astronauts briefly set foot on the lunar surface before returning home. However, the Artemis III crew will stay longer to search for a suitable location to set up a base camp. This camp will provide a place for astronauts to stay during long-term lunar exploration. It will also support those stopping over during future missions to Mars and beyond. Here are four of the many companies helping NASA achieve this ambitious goal.
Zeno Power
Zeno Power plans to develop a power source for the Moon. Their technology converts heat from radioactive material into energy. This ensures a reliable power source when sunlight is unavailable. With lunar nights lasting about two weeks, it could help solve a major challenge for a permanent base on the Moon.
Redwire Space
Redwire Space is creating technology to build roads and landing pads on the Moon. Their device melts lunar dust and rock, known as regolith, into smooth, solid surfaces. This process fuses the material using heat, eliminating the need for cement or water. The innovation will help NASA build stable surfaces for long-term lunar missions.
Astrobotic Technology
Astrobotic Technology will help with power distribution on the Moon. The company plans to send a test lunar lander and rover to the Moon in 2026. The lander will transmit power to the rover through a cable. If successful, this technology could enable widespread power access on the Moon.
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is developing technology to extract iron, silicon, and aluminum from lunar soil to produce solar cells and wire. This process produces oxygen as a byproduct, which could support human habitation or serve as rocket fuel. This would enable spacecraft to refuel on the Moon before embarking on deep-space missions.
With these innovative companies creating key technologies, NASA’s vision for a sustainable lunar presence may soon become a reality.
Resources: NASA.gov, zenopower.com, Blueorigin.com, Astrobotic.com, Redwirespace.com
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17 Comments
eskewfin3 daysso I could live on the moon, COOL!
gamergeekabout 15 hoursWith A Little Luck And A LOT Of Cash U Could...
boba-books4 daysThat’s kinda cool! 😮
skyza4 daysI dont really want to go to space though… (no offence)- eskewfin3 daysme neither.
sophiakrissy64 daysthis is cool! we are learning about astronauts! I haven't even learn about them in 6th grade!
elih84 daysThat's so cool!
victoria_wise4 daysAmbitious but costly... idk if this is good or not. (no offence)- avaaaaa4 dayscool
852128sophie4 daysI can't wait to blast into space! :)
sophiaak4 daysWow I cannot wait for us to get into space!
345765 daysWow!
