NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently announced that in exchange for a habitat module to be delivered by the Italian Space Agency to a future American lunar base in 2033, two Italian astronauts will walk on the Moon. The exact date of this event has not been specified. "It will likely be the first true habitat module to reach the lunar surface," Isaacman said. The announcement was made during a conference of the AFA ("Air & Space Forces Association") near Washington on September 15, 2026. During the event, Isaacman discussed the plans for a lunar base he hopes to establish on the Moon's surface. This habitat, known as the MPH, is a critical component of NASA's long-term lunar exploration strategy. The module provided by the Italian Space Agency is expected to serve as a foundational element of the lunar base, offering a place for astronauts to live and work. While the full details of the collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency remain under discussion, the agreement highlights international efforts to advance space exploration and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. Isaacman emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting that it represents a step toward creating a lasting human presence on the Moon. The collaboration also underscores the growing role of international space agencies in supporting ambitious lunar missions. The specifics of the two Italian astronauts' roles and the timeline for the mission are still being finalized.