The space agency said the sites near the lunar South Pole – listed in full at the bottom of this article – contain “diverse geological characteristics” while also offering flexibility.
The list has changed substantially since its initial unveiling two years ago, but a final decision will depend on the date of blast-off and how that affects flight trajectories.
“To select these landing regions, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers analysed the lunar South Pole region using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and a vast body of lunar science research,” NASA said.
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“Factors in the selection process included science potential, launch window availability, terrain suitability, communication capabilities with Earth, and lighting conditions.
“Additionally, the team assessed the combined trajectory capabilities of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and Starship HLS (Human Landing System) to ensure safe and accessible landing sites.
“The Artemis III geology team evaluated the landing regions for their scientific promise. Sites within each of the nine identified regions have the potential to provide key new insights into our understanding of rocky planets, lunar resources, and the history of our solar system.”
NASA added it would engage the lunar science community through conferences and workshops to assess the geology of the eventual site.
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“The team also will continue surveying the entire lunar South Pole region for science value and mission availability for future Artemis missions. This will include planning for expanded science opportunities during Artemis IV and suitability for the LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehicle) as part of Artemis V.”
Artemis III will be the first time that any astronauts have landed in the south polar region of the moon, and the mission will pose significantly different challenges to the previous Apollo missions.
“Finding the right locations for this historic moment begins with identifying safe places for this first landing and then trying to match that with opportunities for science from this new place on the moon,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist.
Australia is now a key player in the subsequent Artemis program, with NASA tasking the Australian Space Agency with creating a rover that will collect lunar regolith, or moon soil, that will eventually be turned into oxygen to support a permanent human base.
However, Artemis has been beset with delays from its original schedule.
Earlier this year, for example, NASA announced the Artemis II mission to fly astronauts close to the moon would be pushed back from later this year to September 2025, while a human return, Artemis III, would now target 2026.
The US space agency blamed several technical issues, including problems with the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems and heat shield.
But within weeks of the revised timetable being announced, a string of senior figures argued even those dates were unrealistic at a key congressional committee.
Shortlisted sites:
- Peak near Cabeus B
- Haworth
- Malapert Massif
- Mons Mouton Plateau
- Mons Mouton
- Nobile Rim 1
- Nobile Rim 2
- de Gerlache Rim 2
- Slater Plain
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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