NASA’s plans to build a lunar base, which only a few months ago existed merely on paper, are now gradually turning into reality. The agency is developing a clear strategy for delivering landers, rovers, and other equipment to the Moon. As part of this initiative, NASA has signed agreements worth around $590 million with three companies — Astrobotic, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines — to carry out four cargo delivery missions. Special attention is also being given to repurposing the Promise Mars rover for operation in lunar conditions.
These steps are part of the Phase 1 program, led by Carlos García-Galán. The goal of this stage is to create infrastructure that future researchers will be able to use. By 2028, the agency plans to spend about $10 billion on this phase. In addition to cargo delivery, contracts were signed in May for the development of lunar buggies and the deployment of drones for mapping, which will help select the optimal location for the base.
Overcoming Obstacles on the Way to the Goal
Despite the optimism, the path to the Moon is full of challenges. Blue Origin, the company founded by Jeff Bezos, had planned to send a prototype of its Blue Moon lander to the lunar south pole — a region rich in water ice. However, the success of the mission was put at risk after the New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad. Restoring the infrastructure will take months, so NASA is already considering alternative launch options for Blue Moon.
NASA’s leadership is showing determination. Jared Isaacman emphasized that the agency does not intend to wait for the right moment, but will actively help its partners overcome setbacks, much as it did in the 1960s.
The Cost of a Lunar Base
The success of the Artemis program, which has already cost around $100 billion, depends on a broad network of private partners. In addition to the companies mentioned above, SpaceX continues to develop the Starship rocket, which is capable of transporting crews. Other players are also showing results: Firefly successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft, while Intuitive Machines has twice attempted to land near the lunar south pole.
The total cost of building a lunar base is estimated at $30 billion. The issue has gained political significance: members of Congress are pushing for increased funding in order to outpace China. Even amid proposals to cut the overall science budget, investment in the lunar program remains a priority for maintaining the technological advantage of the United States.
However, technical and ethical questions remain unresolved. The lack of full-fledged infrastructure and uncertainty over timekeeping standards on the Moon are only the tip of the iceberg. In addition, the financial strategy continues to change: NASA recently abandoned plans to build the Gateway orbital station in favor of developing infrastructure directly on the lunar surface, redirecting the allocated funds toward that goal.
Earlier, we reported on how NASA is involving a private company in a scientific mission to Mars.
According to CNN
