NASA launches MoonFall project to deploy four drones to scout lunar south pole by 2028
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Apr 27
NASA launches MoonFall project to deploy four drones to scout lunar south pole by 2028
5 articles · Updated · Space.com · Apr 27
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will select industry partners by June 2026 and aims to deliver the drones for launch in 2028.
Each drone, equipped with 10 cameras and science instruments, will map about 30 miles of terrain to identify landing sites and support Artemis lunar base plans.
MoonFall leverages technology from the Ingenuity Mars helicopter and seeks to reduce costs by using industry capabilities, supporting NASA's accelerated Artemis program overhaul.
With a 23% budget cut looming, can NASA's ambitious 2028 Moon landing actually succeed?
Can helicopter technology designed for Mars work for hopper drones in the Moon's environment?
Will America's accelerated plan win the new Moon race against the Russia-China alliance?
Is NASA sacrificing cosmic discovery by cutting 40 science missions for its lunar race?
Without its STEM programs, who will build and run America’s future lunar bases?
How will NASA extract vital water-ice from the Moon's permanently dark, frozen craters?