NASA reveals 9 potential landing sites for the Artemis III lunar mission in 2026

Sites are thoroughly evaluated

NASA is making strides toward the Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The agency has announced a list of nine candidate landing regions near the lunar South Pole, each set to undergo thorough scientific and engineering evaluations to ensure a successful mission.

NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for no earlier than 2026, aims to land astronauts on the Moon’s South Polar region, marking the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. This historic mission will include the first woman and the first person of colour on the Moon, advancing human lunar exploration

Lakiesha Hawkins, NASA’s assistant deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program Office, highlighted the importance of these regions for advancing scientific knowledge and establishing a human presence on the Moon.

The nine selected sites include Peak near Cabeus B, Haworth, Malapert Massif, Mons Mouton Plateau, Mons Mouton, Nobile Rim 1, Nobile Rim 2, de Gerlache Rim 2, and Slater Plain.

These areas were chosen for their unique geological characteristics and the potential to harbour vital resources, such as water, in permanently shadowed regions. Sarah Noble, NASA’s Artemis lunar science lead, noted that this part of the Moon remains unexplored by crewed missions, offering access to ancient terrain crucial for future exploration.

Multidisciplinary team

A multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers evaluated these sites using NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data, considering scientific potential, launch timing, terrain safety, and communication capabilities.

Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist, emphasised that Artemis III will be the first mission to land astronauts in this southern region, utilising a new lander for an unprecedented exploration experience.

To enhance the mission, NASA plans to collaborate with the lunar science community, organising workshops and conferences to gather further insights and develop geological maps. This ongoing assessment will inform Artemis III and set the stage for subsequent missions, such as Artemis IV and Artemis V.

The final selection of lunar landing sites will depend on target launch dates and the environmental conditions on the lunar surface.

NASA aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable scientific exploration through the Artemis programme. This initiative is expected to broaden human exploration horizons and ultimately pave the way for missions to Mars.

Featured image: Following two Artemis test missions, Artemis III will mark humanity’s first return to the lunar surface in over 50 years. Credit: NASA

Last Updated on 1 month by Arnold Pinto