A recent study suggests that the shrinking of the moon could significantly impact future NASA missions. The moon’s brittle surface contracts as its metallic core continues to cool down, potentially leading to increased seismic activity and landslides that could endanger astronauts. Nicholas Schmerr, a geologist at the University of Maryland and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of astronauts, equipment, and infrastructure for the upcoming Artemis mission, scheduled to launch in 2026. This mission will mark the first human landing on the moon in over fifty years and is set to land near the lunar South Pole.
NASA’s Artemis III mission is planned to use the Orion spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from Earth and into lunar orbit. The spacecraft will be launched using the Space Launch System (SLS), with the support of Elon Musk’s Space X for the human landing system. The study highlighted the potential risks posed by contractional deformation and associated seismicity in the lunar south pole regions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and preparation to ensure the safety of the mission.
