NASA Identifies Potential Landing Sites for Historic Manned Mission to the Moon | Science, climate and technology news

NASA has identified nine potential landing sites for next year’s Artemis mission, which will land humans on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

“Finding the right locations for this historic moment begins with identifying safe places for the first landing and then trying to connect them to the scientific opportunities that will flow from this new location on the Moon,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief research scientist.

The Moon’s south pole has never been explored by a human mission and constantly shades areas that could protect resources such as water.

Read more: Space race for lunar water

“The Moon’s south pole is in a completely different environment than where we landed during the Apollo missions,” said Sarah Noble, lunar Artemis science manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“It offers access to the Moon’s oldest terrain, as well as cold, shadowy areas that may contain water and other compounds. Each of these landing areas will enable us to conduct incredible scientific research and make new discoveries.”

Landing sites at the Moon’s south pole will now be examined to see if any of them are suitable for landing.

According to NASA, the sites were selected by the Artemis III geology team for their “scientific promise.”

Each could provide new insights into the terrestrial planets, the lunar resources and the history of our solar system.

“Artemis III will be the first time astronauts land on the Moon’s southern polar region. They will be flying a new lander into an area that is unique from our previous Apollo experience,” Bleacher said.

When Artemis III lands on the Moon in 2025, it will be the first time a woman and person of color have stepped on the lunar surface.

The mission will help NASA prepare for expeditions to Mars.