NASA unveils plan to build a 'city on the moon' in just six years

NASA plans three Moon-base missions to occur this year, with a goal of returning to the Moon and staying. A permanent base is expected to be city-sized and cover hundreds of square miles, operating in extreme temperatures ranging from more than 480 degrees Fahrenheit to -1200 degrees. The settlement is described as beautiful yet hostile, with limited knowledge available from only about 80 hours of lunar astronaut EVA time during Apollo missions. The base would be powered by nuclear and solar energy and is expected to cost more than $20 million. It would serve as home base for Artemis crews, enabling longer stays, expanded robotic and human capabilities, and science focused on off-world operations, infrastructure building, and preparation for Mars.

"“America is returning to the moon,” he said. “And this time, to stay.” Almost 54 years since the last lunar landing - Apollo 17 in December 1972 - Isaacman said the US hoped to “return, build the base and never give up the Moon again”."

"In a particularly giant leap for mankind, the base would cover hundreds of square miles in an environment where temperatures can range from more than 480 degrees Fahrenheit to -1200 degrees. Describing the endeavor to build a settlement in such inhospitable conditions, Isaacman said the Moon base would be “as beautiful as it is hostile”."

"“What we are embarking upon is extremely challenging. We know so little from what is a combined 80 hours of lunar astronaut EVA time across the Apollo missions half a century ago.” The base, which will be powered by nuclear and solar energy, is expected to cost more than $20million."

"“Moon base will be home base for our Artemis crew and will encompass long-duration stays, expanded robotic and human capabilities and an enduring presence on the lunar surface,” Dr Lori Glaze said on Tuesday. “With Moon Base, Artemis astronauts will stay longer, explore farther, and conduct the kinds of science that advance exploration itself, understanding how humans operate off-world, how we build infrastructure, and how we prepare for Mars.”"

Read at Mail Online