NASA Announces Plans for Permanent Lunar Base
Navigating the latest developments in the universe, NASA revealed on Tuesday that the United States is set to construct a permanent base on the moon. This initiative marks a key chapter in what the current administration terms a “second space race” against China.
During NASA’s “Ignition” event, Administrator Jared Isaacman reiterated President Trump’s commitment to returning to the moon before his term concludes, aiming to solidify a lasting American foothold in this competitive landscape. Both the U.S. and China, alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, aim for a manned moon landing by the end of 2010, declaring, “We’ll get there first” come September.
The initial goal was to create a permanent space station in orbit, dubbed the Lunar Gateway. However, plans have shifted towards developing a ground base, with NASA poised to invest upwards of $20 billion. Some components of the Gateway are near completion, and Isaacman mentioned that NASA intends to “reuse” existing equipment.
Isaacman emphasized, “NASA is dedicated to once more achieving the nearly unattainable: returning to the Moon before President Trump’s term ends, facilitating a lunar base, establishing a persistent presence, and executing any necessary measures to reaffirm America’s leadership in space.”
He also highlighted the construction of a base on X, stating, “The objective is clear: to lay the groundwork for a permanent lunar base and advance toward Mars.”
In a related tweet, the Administrator outlined efforts aimed at ensuring a sustainable human presence on the moon, emphasizing ground operations and scalable infrastructure. Initiatives include frequent robotic landings and the introduction of equipment starting in 2027, nearly every month.
Trump, in December 2025, signed a presidential directive mandating a return to the moon by 2028, with plans to set up “initial elements” of a lunar base by 2030. This directive also called for the deployment of nuclear reactors on the moon and in orbit, targeting the launch of a “lunar reactor” in 2030.
Additionally, NASA disclosed a three-phase plan to establish a sustained lunar presence. The agency aims to first increase lunar activity by boosting shipments, followed by constructing “semi-habitable infrastructure,” and ultimately establishing a permanent base.
Meanwhile, China has been making substantial strides in space exploration. In 2021, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) first revealed ambitions for an “International Lunar Research Station.” By 2024, they had outlined a plan, with basic facilities anticipated by 2035. Recently, in October 2025, it was announced that China is on track to land humans on the moon by 2030.
