NASA Selects Three Companies for Four New Lunar Missions

Los Angeles (ANTARA) - NASA announced on Tuesday (30/6) that three companies have been selected to carry out four new missions to the Moon by the end of 2028 as part of its Moon Base Program.

The three companies—Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines—will deliver NASA scientific payloads to the lunar surface as the space agency works towards establishing its first forward base on another celestial body.

According to NASA, Astrobotic has received a contract worth US$297.9 million (US$1 = Rp17,899) for two deliveries, while Firefly Aerospace will receive US$144.2 million and Intuitive Machines US$148.3 million for one delivery each.

Each mission will utilise an upgraded version of previously flown lunar lander designs to support an increased frequency of lunar missions.

Each delivery will carry three NASA payloads to the lunar surface, including a Stereo Camera for Lunar Plume Surface Studies, a Laser Retroreflector Array, and a Linear Energy Transfer Spectrometer.

NASA stated that the newly announced contract awards will play a vital role in building the infrastructure for lunar surface operations.

“By flying the same scientific instruments on multiple landers, we will gain a better understanding of potential landing hazards and build a global network consisting of environmental data and landmarks on the Moon,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

NASA is currently developing the Moon Base Program, a long-term lunar exploration and infrastructure initiative designed to enable a sustainable human presence and expand scientific and commercial activities on the lunar surface.