NASA’s Artemis III mission is entering its final preparation phase as astronauts gear up for what will be the longest human stay on the Moon to date. Scheduled for late 2026, this mission aims to establish a permanent lunar research base as a stepping stone to Mars. The crew, including astronauts from the U.S. and Canada, will conduct geological research and test long-duration life-support systems. Unlike previous missions, Artemis III will land at the Moon’s south pole, an area rich in water ice.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that international collaboration is key to the mission. Japan, the UK, and the European Space Agency are contributing hardware and research tools. Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are also involved in transport and lander technology.
This historic endeavor is expected to spark global interest in space research and generate educational initiatives worldwide. Several universities in India and Bangladesh are already offering online courses related to space science in anticipation of Artemis’ research findings.