In a historic leap back to lunar exploration, NASA has shortlisted nine potential landing sites near the Moon’s South Pole for its Artemis III mission the first crewed lunar landing in over 50 years. This mission aims to explore unexplored regions and gather invaluable scientific data, marking humanity’s return to the Moon.
The nine candidate sites include:
•Peak near Cabeus B
•Haworth
•Malapert Massif
•Mons Mouton Plateau
•Mons Mouton
•Nobile Rim 1
•Nobile Rim 2
•de Gerlache Rim 2
•Slater Plain
Each of these locations offers unique scientific opportunities and the possibility of discovering vital resources, like water, hidden in permanently shadowed areas. Unlike the regions visited during the Apollo missions, the lunar South Pole presents a “completely different environment,” says Sarah Noble, NASA’s Artemis lunar science lead. These areas could provide key insights into rocky planets, lunar resources, and the history of our solar system.
A team of NASA scientists and engineers selected these sites based on factors such as scientific potential, launch windows, terrain safety, communication feasibility with Earth, and lighting conditions. The final choice for the Artemis III landing site will be decided after confirming launch dates, ensuring the mission aligns with optimal conditions for lunar exploration.
Lakiesha Hawkins, assistant deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Moon to Mars Program, noted, “Artemis will return humanity to the Moon and visit unexplored areas,” underscoring NASA’s commitment to safe and groundbreaking exploration near the lunar South Pole.
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