news104.jpg

2026, May 26 United States
Here’s the clean breakdown of what they’re now planning:
🚀 The big idea
NASA is shifting from “going to the Moon” → to staying on the Moon permanently, focusing on the lunar south pole, where there’s likely water ice and near-continuous sunlight.
The new 3-phase plan
Phase 1 (2026–2028): Setup & testing
Multiple robotic missions deliver equipment and scouting systems
Commercial partners like Blue Origin, Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines handle landers, rovers, and drones
Goal: map terrain, test landing sites, and start basic infrastructure prep
Phase 2 (2028–2032): Building the base
Early habitats and infrastructure begin construction
Deployment of:
Power systems (solar arrays and potentially nuclear power)
Lunar rovers and logistics vehicles
Communications networks First astronauts expected to start working on the surface in this period
Phase 3 (2032+): Permanent presence
Transition to a continuous human presence
Expansion into a more permanent “lunar settlement” style outpost
Base could grow into a wider operational zone supporting science and Mars preparation
Key mission updates
Artemis program is now the backbone of the plan
Crewed lunar landings targeted for around 2028 (Artemis IV era)
NASA has also paused the Lunar Gateway space station to focus resources on the surface base