NASA on Tuesday revealed an ambitious roadmap that aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, test nuclear-powered spacecraft, and deploy a fleet of helicopters on Mars.
Unlike previous missions
focused on brief visits, the agency now plans to build infrastructure that enables sustained lunar operations. This includes habitats, power systems, and regular crewed and cargo landings.
NASA intends to invest $20 billion to ensure continuous activity on the Moon, going beyond the upcoming Artemis-II mission, which will carry four astronauts on America’s first lunar voyage since 1972.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the plans reflect the urgency of the global space race and the need to empower the workforce by cutting bureaucracy and streamlining operations, India Today reported.
“We have moved quickly, taken action to cut bureaucracy, and introduced deregulation focused on empowering the workforce. It reflects the reality of a great power competition underway and the consequences if we fail to deliver,” he said.
Under the plan, lunar landings are expected at least once every six months, starting with the Artemis-IV mission in 2028.
Earlier missions such as Artemis-III will serve as technology demonstrators to refine systems and prepare for long-term operations. NASA recently rolled out the SLS Artemis-II rocket to the launch pad, with all preparations on track for the mission.
A central component of NASA’s vision is nuclear technology. In partnership with the US Department of Energy, the agency plans to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, ensuring power during long lunar nights. Beyond the Moon, NASA will also test nuclear electric propulsion in deep space through the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom mission, slated before 2028, which could enhance efficiency for missions to Mars and beyond.
The mission will also deploy a fleet of next-generation helicopters on Mars, building on the Ingenuity drone model, to explore areas inaccessible to rovers and expand scientific research.
