NASA plans to build a permanent lunar base in the 2030s, and keeping astronauts fed could be simpler if they could grow their own food. Mark Strassmann takes a look at the research being done on lunar potato growth.

NASA has opened applications for its 25th astronaut class, with training aimed at low Earth orbit, lunar surface work and future Artemis missions. Applications run through Dec. 3, and selection is expected in late 2027.

NASA is betting BIG on SpaceX for the future of lunar exploration, expanding its role across THREE major areas of Moon Base infrastructure: lunar cargo delivery, space transportation, and communications And Starship has been selected for a major new mission in 2028 to deploy communications satellites around the Moon Here's how SpaceX is becoming a major part of NASA's Moon Base ambitions: 1. LUNAR CARGO DELIVERY NASA has selected SpaceX as one of eight companies under its new CLPS 2 framework, a 10-year program worth up to $10 BILLION across all providers This positions SpaceX to compete for future missions delivering critical science equipment, technology, and infrastructure directly to the lunar surface 2. SPACE TRANSPORTATION SpaceX's Falcon 9 is among the launch vehicles named for NASA's newly awarded lunar transportation missions Falcon 9's proven launch capabilities will support missions involving spacecraft transportation, navigation testing, and infrastructure needed for NASA's expanding lunar operations 3. LUNAR COMMUNICATIONS NASA has directly selected SpaceX for a major Starship mission in 2028 Starship will deploy communications satellites into cislunar space, helping establish the communications infrastructure needed to support astronauts, spacecraft, and future operations around the Moon This is MUCH bigger than simply landing astronauts on the lunar surface NASA is building toward a sustained human presence on the Moon, and that requires an entire transportation and infrastructure network From launching spacecraft with Falcon 9 to competing for lunar cargo deliveries and deploying communications infrastructure with Starship, SpaceX is positioning itself across all THREE critical areas And Starship is becoming an important part of NASA's plans for humanity's permanent presence beyond Earth

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk are set to install the International Space Station’s eighth and final roll-out solar array on Nov. 5, after fitting the seventh during an Oct. 29 spacewalk.