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Friday, October 16, 2026 · UTC
Missions & Exploration

NASA selects GIMLI mission to investigate lunar Marius Hills pit

The project will assess underground lunar lava tubes as potential shelter for future human astronauts.

Caleb Mbeki
Planetary Science Reporter
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NASA mission to explore lunar cave for astronaut shelter
NASA mission to explore lunar cave for astronaut shelter AI illustrationhow this picture was made
NASA has selected the GIMLI mission to investigate the Marius Hills lunar pit, to evaluate ancient underground lava tubes as possible shelter for future astronauts. [1] The project is led by the Planetary Science Institute, with partner organisations Honeybee Robotics and the Norwegian Space Agency. [2] Teams are developing specialised instruments for the lunar cave exploration work. [3] Than Putzig, project director at the Planetary Science Institute, stated the mission will aim to detect lava tubes connected to the Marius Hills Pit. [4] Dr Don Platt of Florida Tech has noted that lunar underground caves could shield astronauts from dangerous radiation and micrometeoroids. [5] Space Nugget. Surface openings on the Moon may provide access to enclosed spaces beneath the lunar ground.
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  1. NASA is preparing to explore the Marius Hills lunar pit to assess ancient underground lava tubes as potential shelter for future astronauts. · FOX 35 Orlando
  2. The GIMLI mission is a collaboration between the Planetary Science Institute, Honeybee Robotics, and the Norwegian Space Agency. · RzeczpospolitaPoland
  3. NASA is collaborating with the Planetary Science Institute and Honeybee Robotics to develop specialized instruments for the lunar cave exploration mission. · FOX 35 Orlando
  4. Than Putzig, director of the project at the Planetary Science Institute, stated that the mission aims to detect lava tubes connected to the Marius Hills Pit. · RzeczpospolitaPoland
  5. Dr. Don Platt, director of the Spaceport Education Center at Florida Tech, stated that lunar underground caves could shield astronauts from dangerous radiation and micrometeoroids. · FOX 35 Orlando
The one we could place publishes from Poland. 1 could not be placed by their address. None is an official body: that part stands on reporting, not on the underlying document or transcript.