Nasa launches $20bn moon base plan with Blue Origin

Nasa announced ambitious plans for its lunar base project, targeting an operational capability between 2029 and 2032. The agency will commence with three uncrewed lunar missions this year to initiate construction of the $20 billion base. These initial missions are crucial steps toward establishing a "semi-permanent presence" on the moon by 2032 or beyond.

Blue Origin has been selected to conduct the first mission, a privately funded lunar lander operation scheduled for as early as fall. The company's Endurance lander will carry scientific payloads to the moon's south pole, demonstrating key capabilities for future human landing systems. This selection is part of Nasa's broader strategy to advance the Artemis program.

Following these initial missions, Nasa plans "more than a dozen" additional flights in the coming years to test systems and equipment. This iterative approach leverages lessons from past space exploration, aiming to build a sustainable presence on the moon. The project also aligns with national space policies aimed at accelerating lunar exploration and establishing a permanent lunar base ahead of international competitors.