Launch Catch-Up — Report Released October 21, 2026
A National Academies report recommends that future crewed lunar missions explore Bhabha Crater, Mons Hadley, the Orientale Basin and the Aristarchus Plateau to address scientific questions beyond the Moon’s south pole.
The October 21 release describes destinations with different research opportunities. Bhabha Crater could give astronauts access to ancient far-side material and a location sheltered from Earth’s radio interference. Mons Hadley, near the Apollo 15 landing site, offers opportunities to examine equipment and biological materials exposed to the lunar environment for more than 50 years.
The report identifies the Orientale Basin as a site for studying a well-preserved impact structure. Aristarchus Plateau could provide samples relevant to the Moon’s volcanic history and potential exploration resources.
The NASA-sponsored study also recommends improved surface mobility, communications and orbital observations to support exploration.
These are recommendations from the National Academies, not an announcement that NASA has selected the four locations for funded crewed landings. The report presents scientific priorities and supporting capabilities; it does not establish launch dates or completed mission plans for those sites.
Sources: National Academies — October 21 report announcement: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/new-report-identifies-four-moon-sites-for-crewed-missions-to-explore-to-advance-scientific-discovery