How will NASA test technologies for Mars on the Moon?

Using the Moon as a proving ground

NASA plans to leverage the lunar environment—especially through Artemis missions and the Gateway—to test life-support systems, habitats, and ISRU technologies that will later be needed on Mars. The Moon offers a closer, lower-risk environment to iterate designs.

Testing areas include:

• Habitat modules and closed-loop life-support demonstrations.
• Surface power systems, rovers, and mobility strategies.
• ISRU experiments for extracting water and producing propellant.

Benefits of lunar testing

• Shorter communication delays and faster rescue or resupply options compared with Mars.
• Ability to refine operational procedures and hardware in real-world conditions.

By validating capabilities on the Moon, NASA reduces risk and improves technology readiness ahead of the more challenging Mars environment.