Artemis moon base will cover ‘hundreds of square miles’ with hopping drones and new lunar rovers, NASA says | Space
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Importantly, NASA will send hopping drones to scout the area first. Consequently, these robots can help map the base’s borders. Similarly, new lunar rovers will carry astronauts around the site.
Essentially, this base aims for a permanent human presence on the moon. However, its large size is needed to access key resources and science locations. Therefore, the project will unfold in several planned phases.
| Technology / Phase | Primary Function | Timeline / Status |
|---|---|---|
| MoonFall Hopping Drones | Scout lunar south pole, mark base perimeter and key scientific sites. | First batch (3-4 drones) launching in 2028 via Firefly Aerospace lander. |
| Astrolab Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) | Crew transport and surface exploration; can operate autonomously before crew arrival. | $219M contract awarded; to be delivered by Blue Origin before Artemis 4 (late 2028). |
| Lunar Outpost Pegasus Rover (LTV) | Crew transport and surface exploration; capable of autonomous and remote-controlled operations. |
Artemis Moon Base: Drones and Rovers
Furthermore, NASA’s Artemis program plans a vast lunar base covering hundreds of square miles. Specifically, they will use hopping drones like MoonFall to scout and mark the perimeter. Additionally, new lunar rovers will carry astronauts across the site. Notably, this sprawling design supports diverse science and technology needs. Therefore, everyone can see it is a major step toward a permanent lunar presence.
Expansive Lunar Exploration Frontier
“We envision the moon base to be
Ultimately, NASA’s Artemis moon base plan represents a major step toward establishing a lasting human presence on the moon
