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2026-03-25 Science & Technology

NASA is preparing a base for expeditions to Mars and the outer solar system

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Posted by badanov 2026-03-25 00:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1775 views ] Top

1 NASA plans moon base, nuclear spacecraft in multibillion-dollar moon program expansion

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-25 07:46|| 2026-03-25 07:46|| Front Page Top

2 NASA changes plans, will build $20 billion base on the Moon

This major policy shift is outlined in NASA's new roadmap, which describes a multi-phase approach to establishing a sustained human presence on the moon. The plan relies on international and commercial partnerships, advanced technologies and a $20 billion investment. NASA also aims to fulfill the ambitious space goals set by President Donald Trump.

"NASA is committed to achieving the near‑impossible once again, to return to the Moon before the end of President Trump's term, build a Moon base, establish an enduring presence, and do the other things needed to ensure American leadership in space," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Tuesday.

As part of this shift, NASA will pause its Gateway project, which had aimed to build a small lunar-orbiting space station by 2027. Some of Gateway’s hardware will be repurposed for the new moon base initiative.

NASA’s plan will unfold in phases. The first phase focuses on repeatable missions deploying rovers, scientific instruments, and power generation equipment to the moon. The second phase introduces semi-habitable infrastructure and regular logistics in partnership with international collaborators. Heavier infrastructure to support a continuous human foothold will follow, marking the transition from periodic expeditions to a permanent base.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-25 08:10|| 2026-03-25 08:10|| Front Page Top

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