Bloomberg has reported that NASA is preparing to make a large-scale purchase of rocket launches to carry out its program to build a permanent base on the moon.
This comes amid a rocket shortage facing the space sector.
Bloomberg said: “NASA is preparing to announce a massive procurement of rocket launches to secure its $30 billion program to build a permanent lunar base designed for humans to live and work.”
It added: “This new strategy comes at a time when the space sector is facing a shortage of rockets amid rapidly growing demand, and the move also aims to help transport cargo to the lunar surface.”
The agency reports that NASA has not yet specified which type of rockets it plans to launch.
However, the market currently offers only a few alternatives comparable to the Falcon 9 rocket: New Glenn, operated by Blue Origin, and Vulcan, operated by United Launch Alliance.
The Artemis program is NASA’s ambitious initiative to build a permanent human base on the lunar surface and explore it sustainably.
The program aims to send astronauts, including the first woman and the first person of color, to the moon.
It also involves developing advanced technologies for living and working there. According to the American side, this project represents a strategic step and an essential bridge toward paving the way for humanity’s greater goal: sending the first crewed missions to Mars.
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