NASA is preparing to transform the moon into a hub of human activity, unveiling plans for a sprawling lunar base near the south pole. The ambitious project, part of the Artemis program, aims to establish a permanent human presence on the moon over the next decade, according to NASA.
A Vision of a Moon City
NASA’s vision for thelunar base is unprecedented in scale. “We envision the moon base to be hundreds of square miles, with different assets all building up to the objective of permanent lunar presence on the moon,” Carlos García-Galán, manager of NASA’s Moon Base program, said during a press conference on May 26. The settlement is planned near the lunar south pole, a region thought to hold abundant water ice trapped in permanently shadowed craters, offering a vital resource for future astronauts.
The base’s design is shaped by multiple scientific, technological, and logistical requirements. “There’s no one spot that covers all the science, all the technology, all the habitation needs of the surface, and even within the local area, you have to consider the terrain,” explained Nujoud Merancy, chief architect of the Moon Base program.
“So, you’ll have the habitats on the tops of the hills where they get sunlight,” she added. “Power systems — nuclear systems — need to be a kilometer or more away for the radiation protection, so all of these things, when you start putting them together, end up sprawling a little bit more like a city as you start building it out.”
Exploring the Unknown Lunar South Pole
The lunar south pole remains one of the least understood regions of the moon. Its rugged terrain and extreme conditions make detailed exploration a necessity. “We’re going to want to explore different sites to really maximize the mix of scientific objectives and viability of a permanent presence,” García-Galán said. NASA plans to deployMoonFall drones, small hopping robots, to scout the area ahead of construction. These drones will help identify suitable locations, map out the base’s footprint, and even mark borders for areas of scientific interest.
China also has ambitions for a lunar base, aiming to land astronauts by 2030. In response, U.S. officials emphasize speed and strategic planning. “I think it’s important for us to get there first,” said Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator. “I think the idea that there are areas of great interest on the lunar surface — we do want to get there and explore them, and we also obviously want to be very mindful of the Outer Space Treaty, so that we are respectful of other nations that are putting assets on the lunar surface. We would expect that to be reciprocal.”
Lunar Rovers and Robotic Pioneers
In addition to drones, NASA is commissioning large lunar terrain vehicles (LTVs) from private companies Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. These rovers will explore the moon independently, ahead of crewed missions, and rendezvous with astronauts upon arrival. NASA awarded Blue Origin contracts to deliver these vehicles using its Blue Moon lander, with the first units expected on the surface before Artemis 4 lands near the south pole in 2028.
These rovers will operate autonomously and can be remotely controlled from Earth, serving as a crucial first step in establishing the infrastructure needed for permanent habitation. NASA’s approach blends robotic reconnaissance with phased human expansion to reduce risk and increase mission efficiency.
Phases of Moon Base Construction
NASA envisions building the lunar base in three main phases. Phase One (now through 2029) will focus on gathering data and securing reliable surface access. Phase Two (2029–2032) will establish the base’s initial operating capability. Phase Three (2032 onward) aims to achieve a semi-permanent crew presence. Each phase builds upon lessons learned from previous Artemis missions, ensuring the base evolves safely and sustainably.
“The Moon Base will be America’s and humanity’s first outpost on another celestial world,” Isaacman said. “Every mission, crewed and uncrewed, will be a learning opportunity as we return to the lunar surface, build the infrastructure to stay, and master the skills required to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments imaginable.”
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