It’s not science fiction. The Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and the Italian space service ASI announced on Friday that they have signed a contract for the development of the first manned lunar station, an important step in the Moon Exploring Program called Artemis and headed by NASA.

Artemis project considers the surface of the Moon as a field of tests for future missions on Mars. It has evolved into a multinational effort that includes dozens of private companies – including SPACEX by Ilon Mask – at the forefront of an emerging world space race.

TAS – a consortium between the French aerospace company Thales and the Italian Leonardo – stated that the so -called “Multipurpose Unit Unit”, a crucial element for a future permanent human presence on the Moon, will be launched by the NASA space center of Kennedy. in 2033.

“The future lunar unit is part of a long -term investment vision implemented by Italy, allowing (in the country) to play an increasingly leading role in the new space struggle,” ASI President Teodoros Valente said in a statement.

The unit will provide “a safe, comfortable and multifunctional habitat for astronauts, fully compatible with other systems and components,” the announcement is added.

Even when there is no human crew, the unit will is able to conduct scientific research experiments and will have the ability to move on the surface of the Moon.

It will be designed for a minimum life of 10 years, with the first phase of growth focusing on technologies subject to the harsh environmental conditions of the Moon, high levels of radiation, reduced gravity and diffuse dust.

According to the two -year agreement, TAS will be the main contractor, working with the Aerospace Logistics and Altec technology group, which holds together with ASI, as well as with other Italian industries.