We could be living on the Moon soon, NASA chief says

Ever since Neil Armstrong and co took the first steps on the Moon back in 1969, many have questioned when more of us can make the historic step, too.

Well, this may be reality sooner than we think, as a NASA chief has said that humans could stay on the moon for lengthy periods of time this decade - yes, that soon!

Howard Hu, who leads the Orion lunar spacecraft programme for the space agency, has said that humans would be needed on the moon to support with scientific missions.

J Marshall - Tribaleye Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Hu said that Wednesday's launch (16 November) of the Artemis rocket carrying Orion was a 'historic day for human space flight'.

Despite no humans being on board this spacecraft, Hu has said there was a 'manikin' taking the commander's seat.

When asked by the BBC when we will see humans living on the moon, Hu said: "Certainly this decade, we are going to have people living for durations.

"Depending on how long we will be on the surface, they'll be living, they'll have habitats, they'll have rovers on the ground.

"That's what we are also working on at NASA, so not only are we able to work in delivering people to the moon, but getting people on the surface of the moon, they still have to have infrastructure.

"Ultimately, it is more than living, it is really about science and geological aspects of it."

Kuenssberg seemed surprised by the NASA chief's commitment on getting people living on the moon this decade, that she had to ask again.

Hu once again confirmed they would be living there and 'doing science'.

Orion is currently 83,300 miles away from the Moon, following its blastoff from Kenedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday.

BBC/Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

Wednesday's launch comes after two failed attempts in August and September because of technical difficulties.

Hu said: "It's the first step we're taking to long-term deep space exploration, for not just the United States but for the world.

"And I think this is an historic day for Nasa, but it's also an historic day for all the people who love human space flight and deep space exploration.

"I mean, we are going back to the Moon, we're working towards a sustainable programme and this is the vehicle that will carry the people that will land us back on the Moon again."

Following its launch, Hu told the BBC that the mission was going well so far.