Washington: NASA has announced the next major phase of its programme aimed at building a permanent base on the Moon as the United States intensifies its competition with China in the new space race.
The space agency revealed plans involving robotic landers, hopping drones and lunar vehicles designed to prepare the Moon’s surface for future human missions. Several private companies, including Blue Origin, have been selected to develop key technologies and spacecraft for the project.
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is expected to build a lunar lander called Endurance capable of precise autonomous landings. Other firms including Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines are also contributing to the mission.
NASA plans to begin extensive robotic exploration of the Moon before astronauts return to the lunar surface later this decade. The agency wants the robotic missions to map difficult terrain, transport scientific instruments and help identify resources near the Moon’s south pole.
Scientists believe frozen water in the region could eventually provide drinking water, oxygen and fuel for deeper space missions. NASA said the programme includes plans to develop nuclear and solar power systems on the Moon to support long-term operations and human habitation.
By 2032, the agency hopes astronauts will be able to live in semi-permanent housing while using lunar rovers for extended exploration missions.
The announcement comes as China accelerates its own ambitions to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. NASA recently completed the Artemis II mission, which successfully sent astronauts around the Moon as part of preparations for future lunar landings.
However, experts say the programme still faces major technical and political challenges, especially surrounding the development of human landing systems.
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is currently developing the Starship Human Landing System for NASA, though the project has experienced delays and setbacks.
The latest announcement highlights growing global competition in space exploration as countries and private companies race to establish a long-term presence beyond Earth.
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