Lunar exploration is undergoing a remarkable resurgence, with numerous global missions targeting the Moon's surface and orbit. These endeavors aim to unlock its...
The renewed interest stems from the potential discovery of valuable resources like water ice, the opportunity for advanced scientific research into the Moon's formation, testing new space technologies, and establishing a gateway for future deep-space missions.
Recent missions have confirmed widespread water ice, particularly in permanently shadowed regions, and identified potential volcanic activity, providing crucial insights into lunar geology and resource availability for future human missions.
Yes, programs like NASA's Artemis aim to return humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s, with long-term goals of establishing sustainable human presence, scientific outposts, and a lunar base to support future deep-space travel.
Major players include the United States (NASA), China (CNSA), India (ISRO), Japan (JAXA), and the European Space Agency (ESA), alongside a growing number of private aerospace companies globally.