NASA on Tuesday unveiled a long-term and ambitious plan to launch nearly 100,000 astronauts over the next seven years.20 billion dollars A lunar base will be established near the moon's south pole by spending $1.1 billion.NASA plans to build the proposed base on the moon in three phases. The first phase will see more frequent flights of astronauts and supplies to the moon to build the infrastructure needed for a long-term crewed mission.The base will include residential modules, pressurized rovers and nuclear power systems. The announcement comes as Artemis II There is only one week left until the launch of the mission's lunar orbit.
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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman speaks during a press conference to provide an update on the Artemis II mission at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 27, 2026. (Photo by Miguel J Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images)
Proposal for two lunar missions per year
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman During meetings with contractors at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., they said they would spend at least Two moon landing missionsThe idea is to establish a semi-permanent astronaut presence on the lunar surface to conduct research, experiments, and develop the technology needed for future missions to Mars.
He said this phased approach will give NASA the same confidence and experience that The Apollo program of the 1960s was achieved during the. However, this time the goal is not just to plant the flag but Permanent settlement on the moonIs.
The role of commercial rocket companies
NASA is gradually making official announcements under the new Artemis program.Space Launch System (SLS)It will reduce dependence on rockets and instead use rockets from private companies. Among themSpaceX، Blue OriginAnd rockets manufactured by other companies will be included.
In addition, NASA has proposed a lunar orbiter.Gateway Space StationIt has been decided to temporarily halt the project and use some of its parts in lunar surface projects.
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A conceptual graphic showing key components of NASA's Space Reactor 1 deep space probe. The mission will launch to Mars in 2028 and carry three small helicopters to test new nuclear-electric propulsion technology. NASA TV
Nuclear energy for the Moon and Mars
Senior NASA officials have approved a new spacecraft for use on the Moon and Mars.Nuclear energy systemsThe system will keep astronauts' living modules warm as well as provide power for research and daily operations.
First important mission“Skyfall” in 2028will be sent to Mars under the name of. This mission will include a fission reactorSpace Reactor-1 (SR-1)It will use nuclear-electric propulsion to deliver three small helicopters to Mars. These helicopters will fly through the Martian atmosphere and explore potential landing sites for future human missions.
Commercial station in near-Earth space
NASA also reiterated thatInternational Space Station (ISS)To maintain a US presence in low-Earth orbit after the 2030s,Private space stationsThe development of will be encouraged.
The organization also acknowledged that so far private sector interest has not been as expected, so under the new strategy, more private researchers and non-astronauts could be given research opportunities on the ISS.
Effective use of budget and resources
According to Isaacman, NASA can continue with the new Artemis project, nuclear space power, scientific missions and other research programs within the current budget. He said the real problem is not a lack of resources, butTheir effective use.
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NASA plans to build the proposed base on the moon in three phases. The first phase will see more frequent flights of astronauts and supplies to the moon to build the infrastructure needed for a long-term crewed mission. NASA TV
Three stages of building a moon base
According to NASA, the construction of a lunar baseThree stagesI will be completed.
Step 1:
The number of missions to the Moon will be increased, sending various instruments, rovers, and technologies to test mobility, energy, communication, and navigation systems.
Step Two:
This phase will develop residential structures and basic infrastructure so that astronauts can regularly work on the lunar surface.
Step Three:
The final phase will establish a complete system for permanent human presence, including nuclear and solar power, manned and automated rovers, construction machines, a cellular-style communications network, lunar GPS, and a network of satellites.
Space Race with China
According to NASA officials, success in the global race to return to the moon is crucial. Isaacman made it clear that it would not be acceptable if the United States fell behind in this race. According to him, the public already has already More than $100 billion in capital NASA has spent a lot of money on the moon program and now expects results.
He said that the lunar base will not be ready overnight, but in the coming years.Dozens of missionsIt will be built in phases by the government, which will also include commercial and international partners.
He said NASA's goal is clear Return to the moon and a permanent residence there.