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NASA studies lunar caves and surface science as plans for a Moon base advance

NASA has selected three scientific investigations intended to address challenges of living on the Moon, including whether underground caves could shelter astronauts from radiation, micrometeorites and extreme temperature swings. Separately, industry and research leaders discussed the technologies and near-term steps needed to make a lunar base viable.

Discovered 2026-10-08T03:15:15.191124-07:00 | 2026-10-08T03:15:15.191124-07:00

Briefing

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Lunar cave investigations could establish whether subsurface features offer meaningful protection for crews from radiation, micrometeorites and temperature extremes—factors central to habitat design and mission planning.
The selected investigations and discussion among industry and research leaders signal that lunar-base planning is moving toward specific scientific questions and near-term technical requirements, rather than remaining solely a long-range concept.

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