Trending Now - NASA Launches Ambitious $20 Billion Plan for Moon Base Development
WHO:
Live Science - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated, "America returns to the moon again, and this time to stay."
Live Science - Moon Base program manager Carlos García-Galán described the envisioned moon base as "hundreds of square miles, with different assets all building up to the objective of permanent lunar presence on the moon."
Live Science - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the lunar base plans.
Live Science - Moon Base program manager Carlos García-Galán discussed the vision for the moon base.
Live Science - Jeff Bezos's space company Blue Origin will conduct the first mission.
WHAT:
Live Science - NASA's first mission, Moon Base II, is planned to deliver lunar rovers and other mobility systems for getting around on the moon later this year.
Live Science - Moon Base III, also planned for this year, will deliver payloads from NASA and other space agencies to study how the lunar surface changes over time.
ABC News - NASA unveiled a $20 billion plan to establish a settlement on the lunar surface.
Live Science - NASA plans three uncrewed missions to the moon as part of its Moon Base initiative.
Live Science - Moon Base I is scheduled to launch as early as fall 2026 to deliver NASA payloads to the lunar surface.
Live Science - Moon Base II and Moon Base III are planned for later this year, focusing on delivering lunar rovers and studying the lunar surface.
Live Science - The first three missions are part of phase I of the Moon Base plan, which aims to create a tangible footprint on the moon.
WHERE:
Live Science - The moon base is planned to be built near the lunar South Pole.
WHEN:
Live Science - Phase II of the Moon Base plan is scheduled for 2029 to 2032, aiming for semi-permanent infrastructure and early habitation.
Live Science - Phase III of the Moon Base plan is scheduled for 2032 and beyond, focusing on achieving a sustained human presence.
Live Science - Moon Base I is scheduled to launch as early as fall 2026.
Live Science - Phase II of the Moon Base plan is scheduled for 2029 to 2032.
Live Science - Phase III of the Moon Base plan is scheduled for 2032 and beyond.
WHY:
Live Science - NASA is under significant political pressure to return humans to the moon, especially with China's advancements in lunar exploration, as noted by experts.
Live Science - NASA aims to establish a permanent lunar presence to pave the way for sending humans to Mars.
Live Science - NASA is under political pressure to return humans to the moon, especially with China's advancements in lunar exploration.
HOW:
Live Science - Blue Origin was awarded $468 million in contracts for the lunar missions, making it the biggest winner from the announcement.
Live Science - The first mission will utilize Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander to deliver payloads.
Live Science - NASA's Moon Base plan includes uncrewed missions to study the moon's surface and develop technologies for future exploration.
(UPDATED May 28, 2026 06:22 UTC)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that America is set to return to the moon, this time with a commitment to establish a permanent presence. The first mission, Moon Base II, is scheduled to deliver lunar rovers and mobility systems later this year, while Moon Base III will also launch this year to send payloads for studying the lunar surface. Looking ahead, Phase II of the Moon Base plan is slated for 2029 to 2032, aiming for semi-permanent infrastructure, and Phase III will focus on achieving a sustained human presence starting in 2032 and beyond.
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(UPDATED May 28, 2026 04:22 UTC)
NASA has unveiled an ambitious $20 billion plan to establish a settlement on the lunar surface, with the first mission set to be conducted by Jeff Bezos's space company, Blue Origin. The initial phase includes three uncrewed missions, with Moon Base I scheduled to launch as early as fall 2026, aiming to deliver NASA payloads to a site near the lunar South Pole. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a permanent lunar presence, ultimately paving the way for future human exploration of Mars.