NASA’s new focus is going back to the moon and this time they’re not interested in leaving a flag behind. NASA administrator said “This time when we go, we’re going to go to stay.” Which are some pretty bold claims. It seems to be that the moon has more supplies to offer.

Scientist are fairly certain that water lays on the moon. Back in 2008 solid ice was found on the moon thanks to India’s Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. And again in 2009 after crashing its LCROSS spacecraft in the moon’s south pole. Finding water on the moon is obviously a great deal for many reasons. Besides the need for it to live, they could use the water and hydrogen to fuel the spacecrafts which is a major bonus.

One thing that NASA scientist have there eyes on is the dirt on the moon. Also known as regolith they could use this to help them 3D print things that they would need. So they won’t have to send as many supplies. Instead, they could send up a few robots and mine some regolith so they could print whatever it is that they need in space.

This is still a little far off but it’s nice to see NASA thinking long term and coming up with bold ideas.