The space agency has reassured that the mission is still on track, with an unmanned launch set for 2021, before a manned launch in 2024. This will mark the first time that a woman has stepped on the moon - 52 years after man first stepped on the lunar surface. Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator, said: “With bipartisan support from Congress, our 21st century push to the Moon is well within America’s reach. Finally, in 2024, NASA will attempt to land on the lunar South Pole, with a female astronaut taking the first step onto the surface. NASA’s current focus is on the lunar Gateway - an orbiting station could serve as a pitstop for missions to the moon.

Source: Daily Mirror September 22, 2020 07:33 UTC