The head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, has announced a significant acceleration of the agency’s lunar program. He said that beginning in 2027, NASA intends to carry out nearly monthly robotic missions to the surface of the Moon.

He made these remarks in an interview with Fox News.

Preparing for a sustained lunar presence

Isaacman stated that, starting in 2027, the world could expect to see robotic lunar landings almost every month while NASA works on building a lunar base near the Moon’s south pole. He also noted that some initial uncrewed missions could begin as early as 2026.

According to him, these early missions will focus on reconnaissance, delivering equipment, and developing infrastructure for a future human outpost. Special attention will be given to the lunar south pole, where significant deposits of water ice have been detected.

He added that experience gained from building and operating a lunar outpost would be crucial for preparing future crewed missions to Mars.

Context of the Artemis program

The Artemis program was initiated in 2019. Under this program, NASA plans to:

  • land astronauts on the Moon in the late 2020s
  • develop technologies needed for crewed missions to Mars in the mid-2030s

However, the program faces serious challenges. Experts note that the third phase of Artemis could be delayed or complicated due to difficulties in developing new spacesuits.

In short

NASA intends to launch nearly monthly uncrewed lunar missions starting in 2027 to support the development of a permanent base near the Moon’s south pole. Early robotic missions may begin as soon as 2026. This high-frequency schedule is expected to help test technologies for future lunar settlement and eventual Mars exploration under the Artemis program.