This Week in Space 218: Which Way to the Moonbase?
10 July 2026

This Week in Space 218: Which Way to the Moonbase?

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We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.



Headlines:


    China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
    New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
    Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
    West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle

Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate


    History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
    NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
    Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
    Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
    Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
    Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
    Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
    Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik


Guest: Pascal Lee


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