NASA’s Bold New Landing Sites: Why Artemis III is Headed to the Moon’s Mysterious South Pole?
31st Oct 2024
NASA has announced its landing site selections for the upcoming Artemis III mission, set for 2026, with a unique twist: unlike the Apollo missions that landed near the Moon’s equator, Artemis III will aim for the lunar South Pole – a region characterized by its shadowed, cratered landscape and some of the coldest temperatures in the solar system.
Where Will NASA’s Artemis III Mission Land?
For the upcoming Artemis mission, NASA has identified nine potential landing sites for astronauts, all located on the Moon’s South Pole. All areas of landing are situated on the Moon’s South Pole, an area that is dark, filled with craters, and home to the coldest regions of the solar system.
According to Sarah Noble, NASA Artemis Lunar science lead, “the moon’s South Pole is a completely different environment than where we landed during the Apollo missions.” The main reason for picking the moon’s South Pole is to expose scientists to the shadowed region of the moon and its elements.

The nine areas for landing on the moon’s South Pole are:
- Peak near Cabeus B
- Haworth
These locations offer potential access to water ice deposits, critical for long-term lunar exploration.
- Malapert Massif
- de Gerlache Rim2
Situated on elevated terrain, these areas have sunlight exposure, a valuable resource for solar-powered equipment.
- Mons Mouton Plateau
- Mons Mouton
These sites feature diverse geological formations, which could provide clues about the Moon’s history.
- Nobile Rim 1
- Nobile Rim 2
Positioned on the rims of the Nobile crater, these sites offer a balance of sunlight and shadow, which may aid exploration.
- Slater Plain.
With its flat terrain, this site provides an ideal location for safe landings and extensive exploration.
Specialized Equipment for a New Lunar Environment
NASA recently showcased the advanced spacesuit designed for Artemis III at the International Astronautical Congress 2024, which can withstand the extreme conditions at the South Pole. In addition to the spacesuit, the mission will introduce the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), a rover that will expand astronauts’ range and enable in-depth scientific exploration.
As anticipation builds and new challenges appear, the big questions remain: when exactly will Artemis III launch?
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