‘Artemis Base Camp’: NASA is planning lunar outpost near Moon’s south pole
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Artemis Base Camp Concept
NASA aims to establish a lunar base named Artemis Base Camp near the moon’s south pole, described as the initial foothold for human presence on the lunar surface.
Credit: NASA
Base Components
The planned outpost will include an unpressurized rover for local transport, a pressurized rover for extended trips, and a surface habitat to accommodate up to four astronauts. The base will also require infrastructure for communications, power, radiation shielding, waste disposal, and storage.
Credit: NASA
Strategic Location
The Shackleton-de Gerlache Ridge area is considered a prime location due to its sunlit rims, which remain illuminated for over 90% of the year. Surrounding depressions are thought to contain ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs).
Credit: NASA
PSR Exploration
PSRs at the lunar poles are of interest due to their potential water ice deposits. These areas are extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from minus 415 to minus 334 degrees Fahrenheit (-248 to -203 degrees Celsius), and could provide vital resources such as water and rocket propellant.
Research Needs
Scientists are working to determine the distribution and accessibility of water ice within PSRs. Recent studies have assessed the potential for mining these deposits but emphasize the need for more data and technological development for successful exploration.
Data Collection
Research led by Holly Brown and colleagues at Arizona State University has identified eight PSRs with high resource potential. Notable locations include Faustini Crater, Haworth Crater, and Cabeus Crater, which show varying degrees of water ice and hydrogen deposits.
Future Missions
Upcoming lunar missions, including those by NASA, China, and Russia, will focus on further investigating the south pole’s PSRs. NASA’s ShadowCam, part of the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter, will provide detailed imaging to support these efforts.
Credit: NASA
International Competition
The U.S. faces competition from China and Russia, who are also planning lunar missions. China and Russia are collaborating on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), slated for the 2030s, adding to the complexity of lunar exploration.
Collaborative Prospects
Experts suggest that international cooperation would be ideal for establishing a permanent lunar base. However, current geopolitical tensions may hinder collaborative efforts, potentially leading to competition among spacefaring nations.