NASA Outlines Plans to Return Humans to the Moon

Kern County's Edwards Air Force Base plays key role in testing for lunar missions.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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NASA expert Patricia Ortiz shared details with ARC Bakersfield about the agency's plans to send humans back to the moon. With Edwards Air Force Base located in Kern County, some of the critical testing for these lunar missions is happening right in the local community's backyard.

Why it matters

NASA's return to the moon is a major scientific and technological milestone, and the work being done at Edwards Air Force Base highlights Kern County's role in supporting these historic space exploration efforts.

The details

Ortiz provided an inside look at the testing and development underway at Edwards to support NASA's lunar program, including the latest advancements in spacecraft, propulsion systems, and life support technologies that will enable future moon landings.

  • NASA is aiming to send the first crewed mission to the moon since the Apollo program by the end of the decade.

The players

Patricia Ortiz

A NASA expert who shared details about the agency's plans to return humans to the moon.

Edwards Air Force Base

A military installation in Kern County, California that is playing a key role in testing and development for NASA's lunar exploration program.

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What they’re saying

“We're making incredible progress towards sending astronauts back to the moon, and the work being done right here in Kern County is absolutely critical to that effort.”

— Patricia Ortiz, NASA Expert (ARC Bakersfield)

What’s next

NASA plans to conduct a series of uncrewed test flights of its new Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft in the coming years, paving the way for the first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

The takeaway

Kern County's role in supporting NASA's return to the moon highlights how local communities can play a vital part in advancing major scientific and technological breakthroughs that have global significance.