Building a long-term base on the Moon will require extensive planning – a planetary geologist describes the considerations that go into it

A lunar base could allow for research, economic activities and lunar mining. Such an operation has potential benefits, but lots of challenges await NASA.

By: Clive Neal, University of Notre Dame, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 14, 2026

Words: 987

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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By Clive Neal, University of Notre Dame

Lots of excitement for space bubbled up in spring 2026. The Artemis II mission took a crew of four on a flyby around the Moon, and NASA officials announced their goal of constructing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030.

With that announcement, NASA outlined a definitive set of goals for getting humans to the surface of the Moon. That way, people can learn how to

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