NASA has unveiled plans for three key missions this year, each paving the way for a crewed Artemis landing in 2028. The first mission, named Moon Base I and launching no earlier than fall 2026, will use Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander to send scientific instruments to the Moon’s South Pole.

Following closely is Moon Base II, scheduled for later this year. This mission aims to deliver over 1,100 pounds of cargo on Astrobotic's Griffin lander, including a rover that will aid in future Lunar Terrain Vehicle operations. Lastly, Moon Base III, also targeted for this year, will transport payloads related to lunar swirl studies, adding to our understanding of the Moon’s surface.

In addition to these base missions, NASA has awarded contracts worth millions to develop new rovers. Astrolab's CLV-1 is a crewed rover designed to transport astronauts and supplies, while Lunar Outpost's Pegasus rover will support manual and autonomous driving tasks on the lunar terrain. Both companies are set to finalize designs and conduct evaluations over the next 18 months.

Completing this ambitious program requires not just planning but also technology. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has selected Firefly Aerospace to make the spacecraft for its MoonFall drone missions, launching in 2028. These drones will gather high-resolution imagery and operate payloads over extended periods on the lunar surface.