NASA Targets 2028 Moon Return With $10 Billion Lunar Plan

WHO:

NASA - NASA opened a Moon Base Student Challenge for student teams at U.S. high schools and post-secondary schools.

Space.com - NASA is pursuing plans for a lunar base for astronauts.

Science Daily - NASA’s lunar-lander development effort involves SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are developing competing landers.

WHAT:

NASA - The Moon Base Student Challenge offers students $1 million to contribute designs for the Moon Base.

Space.com - NASA unveiled contracts worth up to $10 billion to launch and deliver cargo to the Moon.

Space.com - NASA’s plan includes a moon base for astronauts and new lunar missions.

Space.com - NASA presented the “PROMISE” of a nuclear-powered rover.

Science Daily - NASA announced an accelerated plan to return astronauts to the Moon and land them there.

Science Daily - The plan includes faster rocket preparations, new lightweight spacesuits, and redesigned missions.

Science Daily - The proposed efforts could support a permanent lunar presence and future human exploration of Mars.

WHERE:

NASA - NASA announced the challenge during a MAX POWER event at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

Space.com - The planned base and cargo deliveries are for the Moon, Earth’s nearest neighbor.

Science Daily - The planned astronaut landing is on the Moon.

WHEN:

Space.com - NASA’s plan targets a moon base for astronauts by 2032.

Science Daily - NASA’s plan targets an astronaut Moon landing in 2028.

Science Daily - A crucial orbital test is scheduled for 2027.

HOW:

Space.com - NASA plans to use contracts for launching and delivering cargo to support its lunar plans.

Science Daily - SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing competing lunar landers; faster rocket preparations, lightweight spacesuits, and redesigned missions are also part of NASA’s approach.

(UPDATED November 9, 2026 14:58 UTC)

NASA accelerated plans for astronauts to return to the Moon, targeting a 2028 landing. SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing competing lunar landers. NASA’s student design challenge offers teams $1 million to help shape a lunar base.

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(UPDATED November 9, 2026 14:01 UTC)

NASA unveiled major contracts to launch missions and deliver cargo to the Moon. Astronaut landings are targeted for 2028, with SpaceX and Blue Origin developing competing landers. NASA aims to establish a lunar base by 2032.