NASA's Moon Base Plan: Three Phases, $20 Billion
What is NASA's plan for a permanent base near the lunar south pole, what does it include, and is $20 billion enough?
Chapter summary
In March 2026 NASA announced a plan to spend about $20 billion over seven years on a base near the south pole, with habitats, pressurised rovers and nuclear power.
Key takeaways
- 1
Phase 1, robotic, runs to 2029 with about 25 launches and 21 landings to test mobility, power (including a 5 kW night-survival requirement and radioisotope power) and communications.
- 2
Phase 2, about 2029–2032, builds habitats and infrastructure for regular crew operations with crews twice a year.
- 3
Phase 3, from 2032, aims at permanent presence with about 29 launches, 28 landings and deliveries of about 150 tonnes.
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