Moon base ambitions collide with radiation, dust and unknowns

NASA and its partners aim to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon within the next decade, including a permanent lunar base tied to the Artemis program and private-sector plans. But scientists warn the Moon’s harsh environment—razor-sharp dust, relentless cosmic radiation, and low gravity—presents significant health and engineering risks, with unresolved questions about habitat design, life support, water and ice resources, and construction methods. A data-driven, cautious approach is needed before rushing into a lunar colony, as much depends on learning more about the Moon itself.