The third big news of this week is super exciting: NASA just announced that in September 2026, human beings will walk on the Moon again after more than 50 years!
The last time anyone stepped on the Moon was in December 1972.
Now, in 2026, four astronauts will fly in a giant new rocket and spaceship called Artemis III. Two of them will land on the Moon’s South Pole – a place no human has ever seen before.
And the most inspiring part?
One will be the first woman on the Moon, and one will be the first person of colour on the Moon!
Let’s understand the whole story in very easy words.
Why Are We Going Back to the Moon?
1. To learn new things
The Moon’s South Pole has ice hidden in dark craters.
Water means:
- drinking water
- oxygen to breathe
- rocket fuel
This will help humans live on the Moon one day.
2. To practice for Mars
The Moon is only 3 days away.
Mars is many months away.
If we can work safely on the Moon, we can go to Mars next.
3. To show the world we are ready for big dreams
America, India, China, Europe — all are exploring space.
Going back to the Moon is a message:
“The future has arrived.”
The New Spaceship Family
NASA is using three main machines:
1. SLS Rocket
The most powerful rocket ever made.
It lifts the astronauts into space.
2. Orion Spacecraft
This is the main capsule where the astronauts travel and sleep.
3. Starship Lander (by SpaceX)
A special ship that actually lands on the Moon.
You may have seen Starship doing test flights on TV.
Together, these form the Artemis Program.
In Greek stories, Artemis is the sister of Apollo — this time NASA wants women to be part of history too.
Who Are the Lucky Astronauts?
NASA has not revealed names yet, but they said:
- 4 astronauts will fly (2 men, 2 women)
- At least one may be from Canada or Europe
- 2 will stay in the Orion spacecraft
- 2 will go down in Starship to the Moon’s surface
- They will spend one full week on the Moon
They will collect rocks, drive a Moon car, place science tools, and maybe even do something fun like the astronaut who played golf on the Moon in 1971!
What Is Special About the Moon’s South Pole?
The South Pole has something magical:
- Some places get sunlight almost all year → great for solar power
- Some deep craters never get sunlight → they hold ancient ice
The astronauts will explore both sunny areas and icy dark craters.
India’s Role in This Big Moment
India is also proudly part of this story:
- Chandrayaan-3 landed near the South Pole in 2023
- ISRO and Japan will send a rover to the South Pole in 2027–28
- Indian scientists are designing tools to study Moon water
When American astronauts land, they will see Indian science already there.
We are part of the global Moon team!
What Will Happen on the Big Day in 2026?
Here is how the mission will look:
- The giant SLS rocket launches from Florida
- After 3 days, Orion reaches the Moon
- Two astronauts move into Starship
- Starship slowly lands on the South Pole
- Dust flies everywhere…
- The hatch opens…
- The first woman steps onto the Moon
- They explore, study, and live there for 7 days
- They lift off, join Orion again
- All four return safely to Earth
It will be one of the greatest days in history.
Why This Makes Every Child Excited
This mission tells every child:
- You can become an astronaut
- Girls can walk on the Moon
- Space is for everyone — not just America
- India is also rising in space science
The future will have astronauts from all countries!
Three Easy Things You Can Do Right Now
1. Look at the Moon tonight
Wave at it — soon people will be walking there again!
2. Study science and maths well
Future Moon and Mars explorers need strong basics.
3. Dream big
Maybe you will be the first Indian to walk on the Moon in 2035 or 2040!
Last Words
Fifty years ago, humans went to the Moon and came back.
Now, we are planning to stay — build homes, use Moon water, and use the Moon as a refuelling station for Mars missions.
September 2026 will be a date the world will never forget.
Tell your children:
“I was alive when humans returned to the Moon forever.”
The sky is no longer the limit —
The Moon is only the beginning.
Chandamama is calling us back home.
Thank you for reading! Share this blog with every child — let them fall in love with the stars.