Scientists question feasibility of NASA permanent moon base plan
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · Apr 29
Scientists question feasibility of NASA permanent moon base plan
14 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · Apr 29
After NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said construction could start in 2027, researchers at Maryland, Goddard and Central Florida warned key health and engineering unknowns remain.
They cited razor-sharp electrified lunar dust, hard-to-shield cosmic radiation and one-sixth Earth gravity, which could damage habitats, spacesuits, solar panels, bones, muscles, eyesight and blood flow.
Scientists say Artemis missions, targeting a human lunar return by 2028, must gather more data, including samples of lunar ice that planners hope could supply water, fuel and other resources.
Can NASA solve deadly radiation and dust hazards before its ambitious 2028 lunar base deadline?
Beyond survival, what is the plan for creating a truly self-sufficient human society on the Moon?
With a new space race for lunar resources, how will nations prevent conflict on the Moon?
Establishing a Permanent Moon Base by 2030: NASA’s Ambitious Timeline and Critical Risks
Overview
Driven by rising geopolitical competition with China and Russia, NASA shifted its focus in 2025-2026 toward establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. This led to a major revision of the Artemis program, delaying the first crewed landing to 2027 and abandoning the lunar Gateway station in favor of repurposing its modules for a surface base. Supported by the 2026 NASA Authorization Act and a partnership with the Department of Energy, NASA plans up to 30 robotic landings starting in 2027 and aims to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon by 2030. However, safety concerns about the Human Landing System and spacesuit readiness have prompted consideration of a phased approach beginning with robotic outposts, as delays could also impact future Mars missions.