NASA Unveils Phased Plan for Permanent Lunar Base Architecture

After the return of Artemis II, NASA presented a plan aimed at establishing a lasting human settlement on the Moon, focusing on the development of autonomous, livable structures. The design takes into account the harsh environment of the South Pole near Shackleton Crater, where temperatures range from 120°C to -250°C. To shield against harmful sunlight, habitats will be windowless, and solar collectors will be situated on high ridges to access water ice. The initial phase will feature mobile units like the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and FLEX rover. The second phase will introduce pressurized vehicles, including the Lunar Cruiser, a collaboration between JAXA and Toyota. The final phase will involve semi-permanent habitats with rigid modules, with long-term sustainability depending on In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for building materials. Currently, there is no plan for lunar agriculture.