NASA launches a new website called Moon Base; Aims to build a permanent $20 billion US base on the Moon

Recently, NASA has launched a new website called Moon Base for its Moon Base missions. The company aims to build a permanent $20 billion US base on the Moon.

About Moon Base

As defined by NASA, the Moon Base is the home base for Artemis astronauts who will live and work at humanity’s first lunar outpost. NASA is leading global teams of innovators across international space agencies, industry, and academia to build the Moon Base and establish an enduring human presence near the South Pole for the benefit of all.

Moon Base Development in Phases

Phase One (Now- 2029)

Phase One of Moon Base development includes:

• A major increase in lunar activity, with up to 25 missions, including 21 landings.
• Crewed and autonomous rovers for mobility demonstrations and surface preparation, along with 4 drones known as MoonFall and communications relay and observation satellites.
• Early demonstrations of power, navigation, communications, and nuclear radioisotope heater unit technologies designed to endure the long lunar night.
• Scientific payload opportunities integrated across landers and rovers.
• The first tangible footprint of the Moon Base effort, with four tons of payload delivered to test what works on the lunar surface.

Phase Two (2029-2032)

By 2029, NASA will transition to assembling semi-permanent infrastructure and initiating early habitation and logistics operations. Phase Two of Moon Base Development includes:

• Deployment of expanded solar power systems and initial nuclear surface power capabilities, potentially including fission reactors and radioisotope power systems.
• Upgraded rovers, potential advanced MoonFall drones, and early habitation elements.
• Enhanced surface-to-orbit communications networks to provide reliable connectivity across the lunar South Pole region.
• Delivery of up to 60 tons of cargo through as many as 24 landings using low-, medium-, and heavy-class cargo landers.

Phase Three (2032-Beyond)

This phase will scale operations to achieve a sustained presence, with routine crew rotations and continuous surface activity. Phase Three of Moon Base development includes:

• Semi-permanent habitation modules with more spacious interior for crew living and operations.
• Operational fission surface power systems capable of delivering steady, reliable energy through the long lunar nights, leveraging in-situ resource manufacturing.
• Pressurized rovers enabling long-distance travel, exploration, and science operations.
• Advanced logistics networks supported by crewed and autonomous rovers to keep the base supplied and functioning year-round.
• Delivery of up to 38 tons of cargo annually to sustain habitats, power systems, logistics operations, and major science outposts, enabled by low-cost reusable heavy-lift capabilities.