Jakarta, INTI - The United States space agency, NASA, is preparing to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technologies to support the construction of a permanent lunar base and advance future human exploration missions on the Moon.
AI and Drones to Support Lunar Mapping
Carlos Garcia-Galan, NASA’s Lunar Base Program Executive, said AI will play a critical role in operating drones tasked with exploring and mapping the Moon’s surface.
“I believe AI will be extremely valuable in helping us achieve that,” Garcia-Galan said in an interview with RIA Novosti published on June 1.
According to him, drones will be used to identify safe landing sites and assist with various early-stage requirements for establishing a lunar base.
Garcia-Galan explained that the lunar base project remains in its early development phase, with NASA continuing to design, test, and refine the systems and equipment required for future operations.
“We are still at the beginning of the process. Right now, we are developing the systems, determining the types of instruments that will be used, and the drones we have today represent only the initial stage,” he said.
Lunar Base Construction to Be Implemented in Phases
In March 2026, NASA announced plans to build a permanent base on the Moon through a multi-stage development strategy.
The first phase will focus on deploying transportation vehicles to the lunar surface and establishing essential infrastructure to support power generation, communications, and scientific research activities.
The second phase will concentrate on developing habitable facilities and logistics systems designed to replicate key operational conditions found on Earth.
NASA also intends to collaborate with international space agencies as part of the project’s development.
The final phase aims to enable a sustained human presence on the Moon over the long term.
The initiative forms part of NASA’s broader strategy to expand space exploration capabilities and prepare for future crewed missions to the Moon and other destinations deeper in space.
Conclusion
NASA’s plans to integrate AI and drone technologies into lunar exploration highlight the growing role of autonomous systems in the future of space missions. By leveraging intelligent mapping, navigation, and infrastructure development tools, the agency aims to accelerate the construction of a permanent lunar base and enable long-term human presence on the Moon. The initiative represents a significant step toward deeper space exploration and the development of sustainable extraterrestrial habitats.
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