NASA Awards Contracts for Lunar Vehicles and Announces MoonFall Drones to Establish Base Perimeter (faz.net)

• NASA awards $439M for two lunar rovers to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost.
• MoonFall drones to demarcate a safety perimeter around the base.
• Legal tension between Artemis Accords and 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
• Blue Origin to transport rovers; Starship not yet ready for 2030 base.
• Timeline pressured by anticipated Chinese lunar mission in 2029/2030.

"On May 26, 2026, NASA awarded contracts totaling $439 million to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost for electric lunar rovers. It also unveiled the MoonFall project, a drone squadron designed to scout the lunar south pole and later create a perimeter around the planned base. NASA official Carlos García-Galán stated that three or four drones would be placed at corners of areas of scientific interest or expansion. The perimeter aligns with the Artemis Accords' safety zones, but raises questions about compatibility with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. NASA chief Isaacman was circumspect, calling for mutual respect. Blue Origin will transport the vehicles. The base targets 2030, driven by an anticipated Chinese crewed mission to the south pole."