NASA is planning to return to the moon with its Artemis III mission in 2026. The mission aims to land near the lunar South Pole to explore uncharted areas. Nine potential landing sites have been outlined, each with unique geological characteristics and resources like water in permanently shadowed areas. The selection process for landing sites considered factors such as terrain suitability, launch window availability, and communication capabilities with Earth.
The last human visit to the moon was in 1972 during NASA’s Apollo 17 mission. Since then, no humans have traveled more than 400 miles from Earth. Artemis III will send two astronauts to the lunar surface in September 2026, while Artemis II will send astronauts around the moon in September 2025.
The selected landing sites are near the South Pole, offering access to some of the moon’s oldest terrain and potentially valuable resources. The regions have not been prioritized yet, but they provide opportunities for new scientific discoveries and insights into living on the moon. As NASA prepares for its return to the moon, it is focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the lunar South Pole environment.
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