The NASA has presented a detailed three-phase plan to build a permanent human base on the Moon. According to the agency, the facility would become the first long-term human outpost on another celestial body.

The announcement was published on NASA’s official website.

Location and goals

The planned base would be located near the Moon’s south pole, a region of high scientific and strategic interest. This area is believed to contain significant deposits of water ice and also offers locations on elevated terrain that receive near-constant sunlight, making them suitable for solar power generation.

The lunar outpost would support astronauts working under the Artemis program and serve as a testing ground for technologies needed for future Mars missions.

Three phases of construction

NASA outlined a phased approach to building the base:

Phase 1 (until 2029):
A series of preparatory missions, including robotic landings and early crewed flights. The focus will be on detailed reconnaissance and delivery of initial equipment.

Phase 2 (2029–2032):
Rapid deployment of infrastructure, including habitats, power systems, life-support systems, and transportation vehicles.

Phase 3 (from 2032 onward):
Transition to a sustained human presence on the Moon, with regular crew rotations.

International and commercial cooperation

NASA emphasized that the project will be carried out in close collaboration with international partners, private companies, and the scientific community. The agency aims to build a sustainable and largely self-supporting infrastructure intended to benefit all humanity.

Connection to Artemis III

Earlier reports indicated that Artemis III mission would be conducted in a test-flight configuration in low Earth orbit. The mission is expected to use the Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket in a modified configuration without an upper stage.

In short

The NASA has officially outlined a three-phase roadmap to establish the first habitable lunar base by 2032 near the Moon’s south pole. The plan includes preparatory missions by 2029, infrastructure deployment by 2032, and the start of continuous human presence afterward. The base is intended to be a key part of the Artemis program and a major step toward deep space exploration.