Jul 10th 2026
This Week in Space 218
Which Way to the Moonbase?
With Dr. Pascal Lee
We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.
Headlines:
- China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
- New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
- Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
- West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle
Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate
- History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
- NASA’s New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
- Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
- Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
- Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
- Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
- Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
- Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface
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Links
- Making history! China lands rocket during an orbital launch for 1st time ever
- NASA's New Horizons probe just woke up from hibernation 6 billion miles away beyond Pluto. What's it doing out there?
- Wally Funk, trailblazing pilot and astronaut, passes away at 87
- Moon Base - NASA
- Project Horizon - Wikipedia
- The Artemis Accords
- NASA, Department of Energy to Develop Lunar Surface Reactor by 2030