Current Status of Human Presence on the Moon
As of the latest public data, no people are living on the moon. All crewed missions ended with NASA's Apollo program in 1972, and the lunar surface remains unoccupied. Current activity focuses on robotic landers, orbiters, and planned crewed missions rather than permanent habitats NASA.
The last humans to walk on the moon were the Apollo 17 crew in December 1972. Since then, only uncrewed spacecraft from agencies and companies such as NASA, China's CNSA, India's ISRO, and SpaceX have reached the lunar surface SpaceX.
NASA Artemis Program and Planned Crewed Missions
NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon, with Artemis II planned to send astronauts around the moon and Artemis III targeting a crewed landing near the lunar south pole NASA.
Artemis Timeline and Partners
As of the newest available public schedules, Artemis II is expected to fly with a crewed Orion spacecraft, while Artemis III depends on SpaceX Starship HLS for the lunar landing SpaceX. The program involves international partners, including ESA and JAXA, and aims for sustainable exploration rather than short-term visits.
Commercial and International Plans for Moon Habitation
Multiple companies and agencies are developing lunar landers, habitats, and life-support systems for future long-duration stays. SpaceX is building Starship for lunar and Mars missions, while other firms are working on lunar rovers and cargo delivery SpaceX.
China's ILRS and Other Global Initiatives
China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) concept envisions robotic and later crewed missions, with partnerships including Russia and other countries. NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program contracts companies to deliver science instruments, supporting long-term exploration goals NASA.