NASA Announces MoonFall Drones and LEGS Communications Partnership
PUBLISHED May 26, 2026, 11:32 PM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Washington: NASA unveiled this week plans to deploy autonomous lunar drones, roaming robotic vehicles, and a communications network at the Moon's South Pole to support sustained human presence. Agency officials presented the Moon Base strategy at a May 27 briefing at NASA Headquarters, naming the MoonFall drone program and announcing JPL development alongside a Firefly Aerospace carrier with a 2028 launch target. Washington: Officials said the initiative aims to scout terrain, prospect for water ice, and prepare landing sites for Artemis astronauts while expanding cislunar communications. This week NASA's Glenn Research Center issued a LEGS solicitation seeking commercial partners to augment the Near Space Network with global lunar communications and navigation services extending to roughly two million kilometers, with industry feedback pending.
By Ayesha A. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- NASA held a Moon Base briefing at NASA Headquarters announcing MoonFall and broader lunar architecture (May 27).
- NASA named the MoonFall drone program and said JPL would develop the drones (May 27).
- Firefly Aerospace was identified to build the carrier spacecraft to transport MoonFall (May 27); launch target set for 2028.
- NASA Glenn Research Center issued a LEGS sources-sought notice for commercial lunar and cislunar communications (late May).
- NASA framed LEGS as augmenting the Near Space Network to support Artemis and Moon-to-Mars objectives (late May).
News Intelligence
- NASA's MoonFall drone program and LEGS communications partnership could revolutionize space exploration. This means more detailed lunar data, potential for water ice discovery, and safer astronaut landings. If you're a space enthusiast, keep an eye on NASA's updates.
- Articles Published:
- 7
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 7
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
NASA and selected commercial partners will gain development contracts, operational data, and potential revenues from lunar communications and transportation services.
Firms and stakeholders not selected for contracts may have fewer immediate business opportunities from these specific NASA initiatives.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
NASA Announces MoonFall Drones and LEGS Communications Partnership
Social News XYZ The Hans India The Assam Tribune Military & Aerospace Electronics Odisha News, Odisha Latest news, Odisha Daily - OrissaPOST UrduPoint Scientific AmericanFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
Comments