
NASA has announced plans to build a permanent base on the Moon as part of its Artemis program. The goal is to have astronauts on the moon for a long time and prepare for future manned missions to Mars.
NASA's program called "Moon Base" envisions the creation of a permanent lunar settlement at the Moon's South Pole, where astronauts will be able to live and work for long periods of time, conducting scientific missions and testing technologies.
The US space agency is expected to present the plan in detail on May 26, at a special briefing from its headquarters in Washington.
We're building a Moon Base!
— NASA (@NASA) May 20, 2026
@NASAMoonBase will serve as a habitat where astronauts live and work during long-term science missions.
Join us at 2pm ET on Tuesday, May 26, for a live news event where we'll share updates on our lunar exploration plans: https://t.co/IJXA7xYwju pic.twitter.com/jAnkXDg3NY
During the first phase, the mission will focus on accessing the lunar surface and testing technologies critical for long-term human habitation. 25 launches and 21 landings are planned, including the first manned mission of the Lunar Base program.
The second phase involves building the first infrastructure on the lunar surface and expanding operational capabilities. In this phase, 27 launches and 24 landings are planned, as well as regular manned missions every six months.
The third and final phase envisions the operation of a fully developed base with a continuous human presence on the Moon. NASA plans 29 launches and 28 landings, with a significant increase in the equipment carried and support systems.
The Moon's South Pole region is considered strategically important due to the possible presence of frozen water in permanently hidden craters. This water could in the future be used to produce drinking water, oxygen, and even rocket fuel.