NASA is preparing to return astronauts to the lunar surface for extended missions and more complex operations, requiring innovations across multiple disciplines. Shatel Bhakta, principal systems engineer for NASA's Moon Base Program, presented "Building the Moon Base: Challenges and Opportunities at the Lunar South Pole" during NASA Stories at the Ion on July 30.
Bhakta discussed the work needed to establish a sustained human presence at the site, addressing the technological, engineering, and logistical demands of the undertaking.

