🌕🚀 NASA is accelerating plans for a sustained human presence on the Moon. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said on October 8, 2026, that the first element of a proposed lunar base could launch as early as December 2026. NASA is then targeting near-monthly uncrewed robotic missions beginning in early 2027. These missions would deliver equipment and help prepare the lunar surface for future infrastructure, particularly around the lunar south pole. The exact identity of the first base element has not yet been publicly clarified, so the December launch should be understood as a target rather than a guaranteed date. If the schedule holds, these robotic missions could represent an important step toward building the infrastructure needed for longer-term lunar exploration and eventual human habitation. 🌑🛰️ Source: Payload Space / NASA