NASA sets 2026 for uncrewed flights to the Moon

NASA has revealed its plan to return to the Moon and build a permanent base at the South Pole, with Mars as the final destination. The program kicks off in 2026 with three uncrewed missions: Moon Base I using Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 lander, Moon Base II with the Griffin module and the FLIP rover loaded with 500 kg, and Moon Base III to study geological phenomena. The first crew will set foot on the lunar surface in 2028.

Lunar base construction scene at Moon South Pole, Blue Moon Mark 1 lander touching down on dusty surface, robotic arms deploying solar panels and drilling equipment, Griffin module in background with FLIP rover unloading 500 kg cargo container, astronauts preparing for 2028 mission visible in distant habitat mockup, craters and rugged terrain illuminated by harsh sunlight, stars visible in black sky, cinematic photorealistic engineering visualization, dramatic lighting, ultra-detailed mechanical components, dust particles floating, realistic space hardware textures

Three robotic missions prepare the ground for the lunar base 🚀

Each uncrewed mission has a specific objective. Moon Base I will test the precision landing system of the Blue Moon Mark 1. Moon Base II will deploy the FLIP rover to move cargo and analyze the soil. Moon Base III will focus on measuring seismic activity and ice deposits at the South Pole. This data will allow selecting the exact location for the base and designing the habitats that astronauts will use in 2028.

The lunar move includes cargo and a rover named after a dolphin 🌙

NASA plans to send 500 kg of cargo on Moon Base II, which sounds like an interplanetary move. The FLIP rover, whose name recalls an acrobatic dolphin, will be in charge of moving the packages. Meanwhile, the agency trusts that the lunar South Pole has no noisy neighbors or parking problems. Hopefully, the first astronauts won't have to assemble furniture with instructions lost in space.