Lunar Bases

Humans have visited the Moon, but nobody has stayed for long. That is about to change. NASA and other space agencies are planning to build bases on the Moon. Astronauts would live and work there for weeks or months at a time. A Moon base would help us learn how to live in space before going to Mars.

Where to Build

The Moon's south pole is the most popular location for a base. Craters there have areas of permanent shadow that contain water ice. This water could be used for drinking and making rocket fuel. Some hilltops nearby get almost constant sunlight, which is perfect for solar panels. The south pole has the best of both resources.

How to Build on the Moon

Building on the Moon is very different from building on Earth. Materials are heavy and expensive to launch from Earth. Scientists are working on using Moon dirt, called regolith, to build structures. 3D printers might shape the regolith into walls and buildings. Habitats would need to protect astronauts from radiation, extreme temperatures, and tiny meteorites.

Fun Facts

• Scientists think they can make building bricks out of Moon soil using 3D printers.
• A lunar base could use water ice from permanently shadowed craters as a source of drinking water.
• The Moon's south pole has mountain peaks that are in sunlight almost all the time.

Did You Know?

NASA's plan for a lunar base includes using robots to build some of the structures before astronauts even arrive, so they would have a home waiting for them.