Scientist Reveals NASA ‘Moon Base’ Plans And How Humans Will Leave Earth For Good

NASA firmly believes that for humanity to venture further into the solar system, making a safe return to the moon is crucial.

While the moon might not carry the same allure as Mars, especially since the historic moon landing occurred decades ago, NASA views it as an essential step towards broader space exploration.

Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned British space scientist, shared insights with UNILAD on why returning to the moon is pivotal.

She delved into the details of NASA's Artemis project, which includes ambitious plans for establishing a lunar base.

This base is not just a scientific outpost but a foundational step towards human exploration throughout the solar system.

Aderin-Pocock explained: "Part of the Artemis project is sending people back to the moon for the first time in 50 years. But the idea is to actually use the moon as a staging post."

Credit: YouTube / NASA

This statement piques interest significantly, hinting at the moon's role in future space travel.

NASA has outlined that the Artemis project will enhance our understanding of how humans can live sustainably in space, far from Earth.

Aderin-Pocock elaborated: "Because the moon is smaller than planet Earth, it has less gravity."

"So, in the future, I am talking for about 30, 40, 50 years, people are talking about having a human base [on the moon] and building rockets actually on the moon and then launching them from the moon because of less gravity."

"It's then easier to launch from the moon and from that we can start looking at places like Mars."

This rationale directly addresses those critics who argue for bypassing the moon in favor of a direct mission to Mars.

Moreover, Aderin-Pocock mentioned that NASA is optimistic about the Mars mission, hinting, "the first person to travel to Mars is alive today," which could motivate those dreaming of space exploration.

Credit: Getty Stock Image

Discussing the Artemis project further, NASA stated:

"With NASA's Artemis campaign, we are exploring the Moon for scientific discovery, technology advancement, and to learn how to live and work on another world as we prepare for human missions to Mars."

"We will collaborate with commercial and international partners and establish the first long-term presence on the Moon. NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before."

NASA aims for the Artemis project and subsequent missions to inspire a new generation to aim for the stars and secure humanity's future among them, off planet Earth.

Aderin-Pocock echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse perspectives into space exploration efforts.

She encouraged individuals not to be deterred if they didn't excel in math and science in school, reinforcing that anyone could contribute to scientific advancements.

To make space science more accessible to young people, Aderin-Pocock is judging the National Trust's Time Space Award.

This competition will provide four young individuals, aged 16–25, the chance to develop their ideas across science, art and culture, society, and nature and climate, supported by a £5,000 package to further explore their concepts.