Share to ClassroomNASA Picks Blue Origin for Moon Base
NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has picked Blue Origin, the space company owned by Jeff Bezos, to lead the first of three missions to the Moon by the end of 2026. None of the missions will carry people. The choice puts Blue Origin ahead of Elon Musk's SpaceX. The first mission will land near the Moon's south pole. Scientists think this area may have frozen water.
The plan is part of a $20billion project to build a 'Moon Base' . The United States wants to return to the Moon and to compete with China. NASA boss Jared Isaacman said the agency will test landers and rovers first, before sending astronauts to live there. But many experts told the BBC (the British Broadcasting Corporation) that the plan is too fast. One lunar scientist said China might reach the Moon first.
The other two missions in late 2026 will carry a rover and science tools. Small 'Moonfall' drones will look for water hidden under the surface. NASA will give Blue Origin $230.4million for each of the first two flights, but the company will pay for most of the work itself. NASA hopes to have a working Moon base between 2029 and 2032.
