NASA's plans for a permanent base on the moon

NASA has recently unveiled further plans for building a permanent base on the moon, with the first habitation work set to begin in 2029. The project, which is split into three phases, aims to establish a 'lasting human presence' from 2032 onward, with routine crew rotations and ongoing activity on the lunar surface. The new moon project ties into NASA's Artemis program and is intended to create a launchpad for scientific research and future exploration across the solar system.

Project phases

NASA's plans are divided into three phases. Phase 1, which runs through 2029, includes up to 25 launches to the moon, some of which will be crewed. This marks a major step toward developing the moon base. Current planning calls for a new lunar flyby in 2027, followed by an actual moon landing in 2028. During this phase, various technologies such as rovers, drones, and satellites will also be developed to support the base.

Technology and resources

One of the key missions in the first phase is the VIPER rover, which will focus on exploring the moon's South Pole to search for water ice and other valuable resources. In addition, there will be demonstrations of power systems for the base, including solar and nuclear energy. This technological progress is crucial to strengthening the base's operational capabilities so that, if successful, a safe and sustainable presence on the moon can be achieved.

Future phases and a sustainable presence

After the first phase, from 2029 to 2032, the second phase will focus on testing a pressurized rover and further developing power systems. The goal is to begin building habitats at the start of phase 3, from 2032 onward, and to launch uncrewed cargo missions. This will pave the way for a definitive, permanent presence on the moon, with NASA's administrator stressing that once logistics and infrastructure are in place, the base will function as a permanent outpost.

While the plans are promising, NASA has faced delays to the Artemis program in the past. Just two years ago, it was suggested that humans could land on the moon as early as this year, but that ambition has now been pushed back by two years. The development of several technologies and the readiness of SpaceX's Starship Human Landing System are still necessary steps before these plans can become reality.

It is also worth noting that other countries, such as China, have their own moon programs, with the goal of landing humans on the moon sometime this decade as well. This international competition could further influence the pace of NASA's plans.