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NASA has refreshed its list of potential landing sites for the upcoming crewed lunar mission, Artemis III, scheduled for 2026. This mission marks the first manned lunar landing since the Apollo program, with plans for astronauts to explore the South Pole region of the moon, where scientists believe there may be deposits of water ice on the surface.
In 2022, NASA presented a list of 13 potential landing sites, but the current update has narrowed it down to nine candidates. Some sites have been retained from the original list, while new locations have been added, including the Mons Mouton mountain and its surrounding plateau. The mountain’s elevation creates areas that are always in shadow, which makes them particularly promising for the search for water ice, as they are shielded from sunlight.
“The Moon’s South Pole is vastly different from the areas we explored during the Apollo missions,” stated Sarah Noble, the Artemis lunar science lead at NASA Headquarters. “It provides access to some of the moon’s oldest geological features, as well as frigid, shadowed areas that could harbor water and other materials. Any of these chosen regions will facilitate exciting scientific research and lead to new discoveries.”
When selecting landing sites, NASA aims to strike a balance between scientifically intriguing areas and those that are secure and practical for landing operations. Factors such as communication capabilities with Earth and the necessary launch windows are also critical considerations in the decision-making process.
“Artemis III will be a historic first as astronauts land in the moon’s south polar region,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist. “This will involve using a new lander in a landscape that differs significantly from our previous Apollo experiences. Identifying safe potential landing spots is essential, and we are also keen on maximizing scientific opportunities at these new locations on the moon.”
The discovery of water ice is crucial for two main reasons: it presents a fascinating area of scientific study and it serves as a vital resource for future lunar explorers. NASA is planning for longer durations on the moon, extending from days to weeks or even months, which requires substantial resources to support the health of astronauts. If early missions can identify accessible resources such as water ice, it can significantly enhance the sustainability of future explorations.
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