NASA Picks 3 Moon Missions to Prep for Human Exploration

The Moon is about to reveal some of its deepest secrets, thanks to three new NASA experiments launching no earlier than 2028.

NASA announced it's sending three cutting-edge instruments to the lunar surface as part of its Artemis program. These aren't just science projects. They're essential tools for making the Moon safer and more accessible for the astronauts who will soon call it their temporary home.

The missions will fly aboard commercially built landers through NASA's partnership with American companies. This approach means more frequent Moon trips and helps build a thriving lunar economy where private innovation and scientific discovery work hand in hand.

First up is EMILIA-3D, a thermal imaging system that creates three-dimensional heat maps of the Moon's dusty surface. By tracking how temperatures change across different terrain, scientists will better understand what that fine lunar soil is made of and how heat moves through it. That knowledge translates directly into safer landings and better navigation for future missions.

The second experiment, LISTER, will actually drill beneath the Moon's surface to measure internal heat. An earlier version already succeeded on a previous mission, digging several feet down near the Moon's equator. This upgraded instrument will stop at intervals while drilling to measure temperature and how efficiently the subsurface conducts heat, giving scientists clues about the Moon's geological past.

The third payload, SELINE, tackles one of the biggest challenges for long-term lunar living: radiation. For the first time, scientists will measure both the cosmic rays hitting the Moon and the secondary particles created when that radiation interacts with lunar soil. Understanding this radiation environment is crucial for protecting both astronauts and equipment during extended stays.

What makes these missions especially flexible is that they can work anywhere on the Moon. NASA will assign them to specific landing sites later, giving mission planners maximum options as commercial lunar deliveries ramp up.

The Ripple Effect

These three experiments represent something bigger than individual scientific achievements. They're building blocks for humanity's return to the Moon and our ability to stay there safely.

Each measurement, each data point, and each discovery makes the next mission smarter and safer. The thermal maps will guide rovers and landers away from hazards. The heat flow data will deepen our understanding of how rocky worlds evolve. The radiation measurements will shape the design of habitats and spacesuits for years to come.

By partnering with commercial companies, NASA is also creating jobs and spurring innovation across the American space industry. Every successful mission proves that lunar exploration isn't just for government agencies anymore.

The knowledge gained from these experiments won't just benefit Moon missions either. Understanding how radiation behaves on airless worlds helps us prepare for Mars and beyond. Learning to work in extreme lunar conditions teaches us how to thrive in other harsh environments.

Together, these missions are lighting the path back to the Moon and forward into a future where space exploration benefits everyone on Earth.