NASA has announced the opening of a call for proposals aimed at accelerating the development of technologies and infrastructure for lunar surface exploration. The initiative is designed to support the creation of a future lunar base in the South Pole region of the Moon, which is considered a key zone for long-term missions due to the presence of water ice and special lighting conditions. The decision was first announced on September 8, and on September 28, 2026, the agency published an update indicating an extended deadline for proposal submissions under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) program. The competition is intended to attract private companies and research organizations to develop solutions in the areas of power generation, communications, mobility, and life support systems, which will be needed for sustained human presence on the Moon. This initiative is part of NASA's broader Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface and preparing for future crewed missions to Mars. By inviting the private sector to collaborate, the agency hopes to accelerate the pace of technology development and reduce costs through competition among contractors. Selected projects are expected to receive funding for prototype development and testing under conditions simulating the lunar environment. Details on specific technical requirements and implementation timelines have not yet been fully disclosed; however, NASA emphasizes the importance of international and commercial partnerships for the successful completion of the lunar exploration program.