Overview
- NASA will hold a media briefing at 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 26, to present details on its Moon Base initiative and answer questions from reporters.
- The Moon Base is described by NASA as a phased effort that begins with small technology demonstrations and moves toward initial infrastructure and then continuous human presence.
- Several news outlets have reported a detailed three-phase blueprint with dozens of launches and landings and large payload totals, but those operational figures come from media reporting and await formal confirmation at the May 26 briefing.
- NASA says the lunar South Pole is the target because of suspected water ice that could be used for drinking water, oxygen and fuel, and the region will require solutions for long lunar nights, weak low-angle sunlight and steep, cratered terrain.
- NASA plans to emphasize partnerships with commercial providers such as the CLPS program, and named presenters for the event include Administrator Jared Isaacman, Lori Glaze and program executive Carlos García-Galán; the briefing will stream on NASA+ and YouTube and requires media RSVP for in-person or phone participation.