Mars

The agency will increase robotic missions to the moon and launch a spacecraft called Space Reactor 1 Freedom.

NASA has unveiled a major overhaul of its moon and Mars strategy, scrapping plans for a lunar-orbit space station and instead committing $20bn over the next seven years to build a base on the moon’s surface, while also advancing plans to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlined the changes on Tuesday during a meeting in Washington, DC, with partners, contractors and government officials involved in the Artemis programme, saying the agency will increase robotic missions to the moon and lay the groundwork for nuclear power on the lunar surface.

Isaacman, appointed by US President Donald Trump and who took charge in December, said the changes form part of a broader overhaul of NASA’s long-term Moon-to-Mars strategy.

The planned moon base is intended to support long-term human presence on the lunar surface, with robotic missions expected to help prepare the site, test technologies and begin building infrastructure before astronauts return later this decade.

The agency also disclosed plans to launch a spacecraft called Space Reactor 1 Freedom before the end of 2028, a mission designed to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion in deep space on the way to Mars.

The spacecraft will deliver helicopters on the Red Planet, similar to the Ingenuity robotic test helicopter that flew with NASA’s Perseverance rover, a step the agency said would help move nuclear propulsion technology from laboratory testing to operational space missions.

The Ingenuity helicopter was the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet. It travelled to Mars attached to NASA’s Perseverance rover and landed in February 2021.

Pausing the Lunar Gateway station

The Lunar Gateway station, a planned space station in lunar orbit being developed with contractors including Northrop Grumman and international partners, was meant to serve as a base where astronauts could live and work before heading to the Moon’s surface.

But NASA now plans to repurpose some Gateway components for use on the surface instead.

Repurposing Lunar Gateway to create a base on the moon’s surface leaves uncertain the future roles of Japan, Canada and the ‌European Space ⁠Agency in the Artemis programme, three key NASA partners that had agreed to provide components for the orbital station.

“It should not really surprise anyone that we are pausing Gateway in its current form and focusing on infrastructure that supports sustained operations on the lunar surface,” Isaacman said.

The changes to NASA’s flagship Artemis programme are reshaping billions of dollars’ worth of contracts and come as the United States faces growing competition from China, which is aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2030.

The Artemis programme, begun in 2017 during Trump’s first term as president, envisions regular lunar missions as NASA’s long-awaited follow-up to its first moon missions in the Apollo programme that ended in 1972.

This location offers breathtaking views which are out of this world (quite literally) and it’s not a long trip either as it’s located in the UK. So have you been here before?

Searching for your next adventure? While some days out demand preparation so are fully prepped, this travel destination requires little fuss and is perfect for a Sunday hiking trip.

Not only does this location boast stunning views, it’s also otherworldly (quite literally) as one hiker claimed it resembles “just like Mars”. Conor, an avid adventurer, recently ventured to Parys Mountain, situated in Anglesey, which depending on where you are in the UK, is a few hours away, especially if you’re craving a change of scenery. The Welsh island is renowned for its coastline and historic landmarks.

The content creator, known as Conor_Hikes, recently shared the spot with his 20,500 TikTok followers.

He stated: “A must do hike in the UK! This is Parys Mountain, located in Anglesey. It was once known as the Copper Kingdom, and it was once the world’s largest copper mines! This place really does look like Mars.”

How to get there:

If you’re travelling from London, it’s around 5 hours by car. Those from Bristol are looking at 4 hours in the car, while cities up north like Liverpool are just 2 hours away from the location.

Of course if you’re in Wales, it’s a lot more local for you. According to Conor, there’s complimentary parking if you enter the postcode LL68 9RE into your satnav.

What to do there:

Once you arrive at Parys Mountain, there’s a 4km circular trail available for hiking. The otherworldly terrain is ideal for rambling, photography and discovery.

Visitors can wander around the copper mine, soak up the views of Snowdonia and discover the nearby Copper Kingdom exhibition.

People could also venture through the “moon-like” landscape which Conor praised in his TikTok video. Routes vary from a 45-minute shortcut to a 90-minute main circuit.

The paths showcase spectacular, colourful rock formations in hues of orange, yellow, and purple.

For nature enthusiasts, the site is home to wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, and choughs.

Just bear in mind it’s advisable to wear pack walking boots due to the loose, rocky and uneven ground.

There’s no facilities or cafés on the mountain, but the nearby Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch offers historical background and amenities.

And if you want to maximise your visit, late summer is perfect for witnessing purple heather in blossom. However, the trails remain accessible throughout the year.

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