NASA selects three research projects to prepare for lunar base

NASA has selected three new scientific research projects to prepare for the establishment of a permanent human base on the Moon. These studies, part of the Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program, will be delivered via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

The selected projects aim to identify natural resources, locate potential shelters, and assess environmental risks for future astronauts. The Lunar Environment Monitoring Station – South Pole (LEMS-SP) will act as an autonomous station to monitor micrometeoroids, volatile materials, and seismic activity to evaluate risks to future lunar installations.

The Geophysical Instruments for Marius Lunar pit Investigation (GIMLI) will explore the Marius Hills Pit to search for evidence of large underground lava tubes, which could serve as natural shelters against radiation and extreme temperatures. Additionally, the DISCO project will investigate hidden ice in permanently shadowed regions, a critical resource that could provide water, oxygen, or fuel components for future crews. The data gathered will support both the Artemis missions and long-term human exploration goals, including future missions to Mars.