A major step toward humanity’s return to the Moon is being led by Italy. The Italian Space Agency (ASI), in partnership with aerospace company Thales Alenia Space, has signed an agreement with NASA to help build the very first permanent outpost on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program.

This new station, called the Lunar Surface Multipurpose Module (or simply “Moon outpost”), will be a pressurized structure designed to support astronauts during long-duration missions on the Moon. The module will provide vital shelter, workspaces, and living quarters, acting as a base for lunar exploration and science.